Thirty-One, Yet Again!

Okay, Okay, so i just keep changing my mind about Thirty-One. I wrote my last post when I was dealing with some bumps in the road... now I am ready to get back on board. By saying that, I want to go back to the training board and get to know the company policies and products so that I won't have many issues in the future. I guess being a consultant in a company is a learning process and I started out on a rocky roller coaster, but I still feel like encouraged to continue. I am ready for a fresh start and to work hard. I am still not going to get the new consultant incentive, nor am I going to make enough to make it my sole job, but I can try to put some effort into it. I have a few parties booked for March and from there I just hope to get a few parties booked for April. Nothing huge, just a little extra income. I don't want to be pushy, I just want to enjoy this experience. :) I love the products and I hope I can share that with others. I have been super fickle with this, but sometimes that is life. :)

God is Good!

Sometimes God answers prayers in such a discrete or different way than you could ever imagine and other times He decides to make his answers clear as water. Today, I experienced the later and I am dancing in praise! I am beyond thankful for this answer and know what my future looks like for this part of my life (at least for right now).

So here’s what has been happening leading up to God’s clear answer to me:

Since finding out about Baby Spiers #2 , I have been truly struggling with what to do about watching another child for extra income. I could not decide whether to quit altogether, go part-time, continue with the same amount of hours (30 or so), or go full-time (40+). Lots of options and lots of thinking! The mom of the little girl I have been watching is planning on getting married in late spring/early summer and wanted me to watch her child full-time after she gets married. I didn’t know what to think or what to do because that would mean, come September, I would be watching 3 kiddos (3-years-old, almost 2-years-old, and a newborn). Intense! I couldn’t really see myself watching 3 kids everyday, all day, but I also couldn’t figure out what the right answer was. All the questions kept streaming to my head, “can we do it without the extra income? Can we save enough before we have the next baby if I do decide to quit? Can I handle it? Will I want to handle it? How will Alivia and the other little girl handle a newborn?” And the questions went on and on. I am sure Ben was tired of discussing this matter. :) I prayed for direction and how to handle this situation respectfully and right (if there is a right way).

Answer #1 (still unclear on what to do at this point):

Then one day a friend of mine let me know that a lady we went to high school with needed a sitter 2 to 3 times a week for a short timeframe (mid March to June). I requested more information about this potential job thinking it was a great opportunity with it being less hours a week and short term. This opportunity meant no commitment after June so I can have some quality time with Alivia before Baby #2 comes along. Well long story short, I took the job thinking that I would either quit watching the little girl I watch now or go down to part time with her. Neither of which happened because I just didn’t think it was fully the right decision and didn’t want to jump into the wrong choice.

Answer #2 (It’s clear as water now):

Today the mom (of the little girl I watch) and I had a little chat when she dropped her 2-year-old off at my house. I told her my news about the other little baby I plan on watching for a couple times a week starting in March. And she told her news that she would no longer need me to watch her little one in a couple of months. This was amazing news because I didn’t have to leave her hanging to find another sitter, and I am able to spend some awesome time with Alivia before Baby Spiers #2 arrives in late August. The fact that I didn’t have to deliver disappointing news was a plus too. So awesome! So, while I will be super busy for the next 3 months watching 2-3 kids depending on the day, it will allow us to save money so I can take some time off from working before and after Baby Spiers #2 comes. GOD IS GOOD! I am super thankful for the very clear answer!!!

Thirty-One Revisited!

So I have had a lot going on with the company Thirty-One, and while I still love the products- I am not going to push parties or sales on anyone. If you are interested in doing a party or buying products, let me know. Otherwise, I am keeping it simple! I don’t want to give up because I love the products and I just started with the company, but after a few things that have happened I don’t want it to be my main focus right now in my life. I thought it was something that I could do to replace the income I am making as a nanny, but I don’t think it will at this point.
Here is what I have learned so far:
- You can make goals but ultimately with a company like this, it’s just not up to you. Yes, I need to do the leg work and promote the company and the products, but I cannot make someone book a party or buy products. And, I don’t have the personality to push someone into doing something they don’t want to do or want to buy; moreover, I don’t want to lose friends or family over a business.
- Don’t rush into anything!!! Know your facts and make good, quality decisions. I love Thirty-One products, but I have had to deal with a few things that I did not think I would have to deal with.
- I think Thirty-One has helped me have a better perspective/attitude about my current job.. I appreciate and am so thankful that I have the opportunity to make money and more importantly am able to stay home with my Alivia. While watching kiddo’s is a hard job, it is still a constant pay-check and it has allowed me to have my ultimate dream job: stay-at-home wife and mom! I did feel that God steered me into the direction of signing on with the company Thirty-One and I thought I knew why, but I think God had a few other things to show me through this process too!
- I hope to learn more with Thirty-One as I continue this journey!
Goals I made when I first started (in bold) & new Goals :
- Become a qualified consultant in one month

Become a qualified consultant within six months

- Plan 12 parties in 3 months for free items to help with my business

I’m not pushing parties right now- so this is not really a goal for me right now. It would be nice to have a party a month until I decide it is something I want to make more of a focus in my life. Plus, they changed the incentive program and I will not meet the mark. Bummer!

- Make enough money to make Thirty-One my sole career in 6 months (which will give me more time to spend with my love ones)

Unfortunately, I am not making this a goal right now! I will still nanny until Baby Spiers #2 arrives and then at that point I will re-evaluate the situation.

- Work on getting more organized in my personal life and family life

I still very much have this goal and hope to improve my organization each week/month. :) I love Thirty-One products and plan to use them to help organize a few things in my home.

Guess What!?

Alivia is going to be a Big Sister!

Baby Spiers #2

FAQ:

Q: When did you find out you were pregnant?

A: We officially found out on December 28, 2010! 3 days before Alivia’s 1st birthday.

Q: Were you trying to get pregnant?

A: We were not actively trying to get pregnant, but we were not preventing it either (I couldn't use birth control for various reasons)! We are pleasantly surprised and happy to have baby Spiers #2 on the way!

Q: Are you excited to be pregnant?

A: Of course!!! We are super excited for another blessing from God!

Q: How far along are you?

A: 13 weeks, out of the 1st trimester… YEAH

Q: When does that make your due date?

A: August 2o, 2011

Q: How old will Alivia be when baby Spiers #2 is born?

A: Alivia will be 20 months old, almost 2 years of age. When we have discussed having more children in the past, we thought 2 years would be a good age gap. Close enough!

Q: How are you feeling with this pregnancy?

A: I have been very exhausted mentally and physically. I have been dealing with really bad headaches. I have undergone some nausea but have not thrown up. I have been emotional.

Q: How is that different from being pregnant with Alivia?

A: With Alivia’s pregnancy, I did get a few headaches and deal with being nauseous in the first couple of weeks, but not to the extent with this pregnancy. My headaches have been coming on almost every day since I found out and I have been more nauseous with this pregnancy. I have also been more emotional. I am not sure if it because I have different stressors this time around or if it is just because it is a different pregnancy, but I have definitely been more emotional. Thank God I have an understanding hubby and 1 year old who doesn’t really understand. :)

Q: Do you have a feeling on the gender of this baby?

A: Actually, I do! I think it’s a boy. I know all pregnancies are different, but I just feel like we are having a boy this time around. Rooting for the blue! We would be happy for a girl too, but I just got this feeling!

Q: Are you going to find out the gender at your half-way mark?

A: I thought it would be neat to wait and be surprised for this pregnancy, but I think we are going to find out. I want to know if I am right with the boy prediction. And, it is just nice to get prepared, especially with only have 2 rooms in our townhome. If it is a boy, I need to do a few different decorations for the kids' room as Alivia’s room is quite girly right now. (Maybe for my 3rd pregnancy, if we are supposed to have another, we will go for the surprise.)

13 weeks pregnant!

Valentine’s Day!

  My sweet Alivia on Valentine’s Day 2011!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Seriously, one of my favorite photos of us! Unfortunately, Ben would not let me take any pictures of him because he said he was desperately in need of a haircut. We were unable to get daddy/daughter and family valentine's day photos this year.  There’s always next year (God willing)!

Happy Alivia!

We are sure blessed to have such a happy little girl. She does have her moments, but doesn’t every child/person! She is for the most part a very happy toddler (I can’t believe she is not my little baby anymore!!!!).  We noticed most of her crankiness to occur right before nap time or bed time when she is beyond tired.  She has completely transitioned to 1 nap a day, which was in the making for a couple of months but now is in full swing. I am still trying to figure out what time to put her down in the afternoon. My goal is 1:30 p.m., but she is usually quite ready by 1:00 p.m. She does not take good naps so the afternoon after her 30 to 40 minute nap (sometimes an 1 hour if we are lucky) is somewhat tricky for us. We have to keep her occupied and playing so she can be distracted from her tiredness. By 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. she is rubbing her eyes and really tired. We have been putting her down by 7:00 p.m. and that has been seeming to work well. Alivia sleeps until about 6:45-7:00 a.m. everyday. So while she isn’t really a good napper, she is an excellent sleeper at night. We can’t complain.  

I just love that little smile of hers!

Alivia’s First Haircut!

Alivia got her first haircut on January 21, 2011! She didn’t really love getting her hair cut but she let Ben do it. The whole process took about 15 minutes or so and afterwards she no longer had her cute(ish) trademark tail that she had had from birth. Her hair in the back is now somewhat even. I think we will try to cut her hair on a regular basis now or rather Ben will. I don't know if I trust myself with this responsibility! :)

100th Post & Update!

Yep, it’s true- I made it to my 100th post. That sounds pretty fantastic to me! I have truly loved the blogging scene. It has been wonderful to journal about what’s going on in our life. I enjoy looking back at things Alivia has done and accomplished. It is so helpful because at times I already forget when she did some of her firsts! Without this blog, I would not be able to recall some of the little things that I do want to remember, especially when Alivia gets older!!!

Update: I have been doing better with being diligent and purposeful throughout the day. I did start to-do lists again, and they have sure been helpful! And, taking things day by day, hour by hour has really helped with my keeping my patience.

Struggles!

Things have been hard for me lately! I have been struggling with two things: having patience and laziness. Thirty-One has actually been helpful because I have been trying to go through The Wife of Noble Character. Proverbs 31:10-31 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. I am also encouraged by other moms and women! I know it can be hard and it is quite easy to get trapped in the laziness bubble, but I have been working on it. I think I have been blaming a lot of it on being a mom, you know "I need a break, I need to watch Alivia, etc." I would much rather watch and play with Alivia any time over doing housework. But, Alivia also takes a nap and during her nap, I need to try to be more productive instead of sitting down and watching that newest HGTV show. :) My solutions: - Start making do to-do lists again - Take things slowly, I don't have to be super-mom but just have to be more on top of things - Go back to my chore list that I made a while ago... it seemed to work - Stop making excuses - Have 1 to 2 days that I can relax during Alivia's nap and get things done during the other days As for the patience... I keep praying daily that I will have patience. It has been challenging to watch another child at times.