Returning to sanity

Hey there! Miss me? I missed you too!

I finally decided that working for two companies was nutso cuckoo! So I picked the one that allowed me to still see my family and have fun, while making money too. Which wasn't the first one I started working for. With that one, it seemed like I was working really hard, yet not getting much of anywhere. My new company I will be able to work as much as I want, as long as I meet my minimum quota, and I can get work enough to make it full time. Wasn't going to happen with the first company.

So, I should have my weekends clear now. That's another nice thing about this company! I can work on Saturday if I want to, but I am not required to.

So I still have cards from my last class to show, and had a class last week too with more cards. Tomorrow I plan on taking pictures of them and maybe playing with stamps just for fun, which hasn't happened in a while! So this is one of the cards from my February class:

Ingredients: Stamps - Something to Celebrate; Paper - Nursery Suite DSP, Regal Rose, Early Espresso, Whisper White; Ink - Early Espresso, Regal Rose; Other - Small Oval punch, Bitty Punch pack, 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, Neutrals Flower brads, dimensionals, 1/8" Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, sponge wedge.

Isn't this STINKIN' CUTE?!?! (YILM!) I had bought the paper, but not the stamp set that goes with it, so when trying to come up with an Easter card, decided a punch art bunny would be eminently suitable to go with the paper.

Thanks for hanging in here with me while I figure out this work thing. And a big thank you to those of you who continue to place your online orders with me, as well as those who come to class and order! You have been keeping me in business and I very much appreciate it. At a time when money looks like it may get pretty tight for a while, it's no longer possible for me to support my minimums by myself. As well, I am so happy that so many of you continue to read and comment, or just read. It makes me happy!

My husband has been turned down for SSD and the lawyers are preparing the appeal for that. He got his last check from the school district on Friday and we still don't know if his long-term disability claim will be approved. They are still waiting for some records from one of his doctors. We have enough money to live on for a few months...prayers for decisions in our favor are very much appreciated! We are being conservative with our money, but still preparing for the next school year for our kids' schools and hoping it won't be the last year we can manage to send them. Laurel's last year of high school is next year, so we are committed to managing at least one more year. Hopefully, things will go our way and we will be fine, but even if they don't, we have fall-back plans in place. Our God is an awesome God, and I am confident that He will provide! Ta!

 

Comments

[MelissaW]

No matter what, I hope that you are able to do what is best for all of you. I wish I could afford to place an order because I would! *hugs*

[Sandy]

My husband and I just went through the same thing, it was a 2 year process and very disheartening at times but God provided all we needed plus more. Hang in there!

[Shelley W.]

Amen! I'll pray for wisdom and discrenment for you!

[Melanie]

Glad to have you back Jan! I hope things start to go your way soon... If I lived in the US, I'd be placing an order from you to help you out... Making minimums is not always easy. Hang in there!

[Jamie]

So happy you've got work that may leave a little time for play. Our God is indeed an awesome God and I pray he'll sustain your families needs and give wisdon in the days ahead. Not to mention that is one stinkin' cute card!!

[Mary R.]

Hey Jan! Glad to see you finding some stamping time with no agenda! Sometimes that is a difficult thing! Hang in there and don't give up on the disability. They make you jump through hoops to get the money YOU paid in! Remembering you and the family in my prayers.

[Stephanie Perry]

Good to see your post, and that you have an alternative option in your work that allows you more flexibility. I'm sorry to hear about the struggles to get Dan the disability coverage he needs...I hope this is resolved in your favor sooner than later!! Thanks for sharing such a cute, cute card!!

Take care!!

[Marlene]

So good to hear from you!!! I have missed u & your beautiful creations. Glad to hear, too, that work seems to be settling into something good for u. I will certainly pray about your family's situation. God IS good!!!

[Suzanne W. Skeels]

Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith. Keeping writing on your blog. Your friends here form a very good support team. Sending you hugs to be used when you need them most.

[Diane L]

God will lead you through it all and things will turn out for you!!!
We have been going through a difficult time too financially and things are coming along now,so don't give up and stay strong!
I'll keep you both in my prayers for sure!
Hugs to you girl!

[Pat S.]

sending prayers for patience and wisdom -- and don't we all need that? Our God is, indeed and AWESOME God!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dorene]

Jan,

Hang in there. My SIL went through it and appealed more than once and finally got the award. It's like they try to exhaust all avenues and hope you get frustrated with the paperwork process so keep at it. Will be praying for you all. God is ALWAYS in control.

Glad to hear you will be getting more time to stamp. I always love what you come up with, even if I don't post comments.

[kathynruss]

So glad to get an update. Good to just do one sane job instead of two. Hang in there.

[Jane Harrah]

Jan, I am glad to hear you worked out your work issues. I will keep you in my prayers as I have over the last months. Man, life hands out some scary stuff lately. It just seems like the bottom is falling out. The best thing we have is each other and please know, all your "blog friends" are here rooting for you. Hugs and love the bunny butt!

[Anita A]

Stunning card! Praying for you as you work out all the decisions.

[elizabeth]

Lots and lots of love a hugs to you and DH. Hoping everything turns out well for you. As a UK demo I would like to say you are an inspiration to me. One of my lovely customers was talking about one the the templates she bought from you only yesterday. XXX

[karen Stephenson]

Hi Jan, I don't think I realized things were so dire for you and yours. I will pray for God to carry you through these trials. I work in mental health and know that SSD is almost always denied for the first time. The blessing is the first check usually goes retro to the first application, unless there are new federal changes. God bless. I will place an order with you soon, for my first time. I am happy to help. Love you creativity. Karen

[Carol Jean Hertkorn]

Prayers for all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
Thanks so much for sharing your talent and your sense of humor.

[Priscilla Ivler]

Hang in there, Jan, and know we are all rooting for you! Love your creativity, and use it regularly for inspiration. I'm willing to wait for your posts...just, please, don't stop! Best wishes to you and your family; don't let anyone take away your sense of humor!

[Cali]

Luv the punch bunny!

And, hang in there -- I have a very certain feeling that all will work out quite well for you and yours. Keep believing and doing and know that God is with you.

[Theresa R]

Glad to have you back again and to hear that at least YOUR job situation has improved. Will pray for your husband's disability/SSD claims to be approved asap! I love your card. The bunny buns (pun intended) are adorable. Hugs to you all.

[Mitzi Luttrull]

Hi Jan! Good to hear from you again. I love your blog, especially your narratives. You should write a book. I'm praying for your family that all will work out for you. Having made a decision about which company to work for takes a load off your mind, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to more of your awesome creations. Love your bunny.

[lisa808]

Totally stinkin' cute bunny!!!

[Angela]

Keep up your faith because He will provide all that you need. ((hugs))

[Jennifer Scull]

such a precious card!
hang in there as best you can and know that God has it all under control. He does tend to make us get to the rope's end and hold tight, but He never lets go. you are surrounded by LOTS of people who love you.

[Judy McMullen]

Jan, I wish I could place an order too. I will keep you and your DH in my prayers. You are so right our God is an awesome God. Keep the faith!!!

[Adrienne]

I have walked down this path before. I was denied three times and then finally on my last appeal was awarded SS. I didn't use an attorney, and thus, didn't have to split the finding. It took me two years to go through that process, but it saved my life. I was very sick for five more years during which time I couldn't have survived without the support. I had a radical turnaround and five years later was able to return to work. God works in many ways. My prayers to you and yours. Patience and persistence will be your guides. I also love your blog and cards. Thank you for being creative in spite of facing difficulty.

[Lori]

Great to see a post by you! Prayers have gone your way.

[Amanda harbison]

adorable little bunny! I love your blog and just nominated you for a Stylish Blogger Award! Check out my post to see what you need to do now! CONGRATS!

http://amanda-lifeis.blogspot.com/2011/04/stylish-blogger-i-feel-so-honored.html

[Gail S.]

I'm glad your work issues are better. My son-in-law is a family practice doctor and had a good growing practice with Beaumont, but they decided to close some of their newer offices last year so he was out of a job! Yes a doctor and no job! Things are rough in MI, he's relocated out of state while my DD and grandkids are here, but they will be leaving to join him soon. God has provided for them also, but not according to 'our' plan they wanted to raise their kids near family and we wanted them to!

[Lynn Forsythe]

Hi Jan, so great to have you back. I miss your posts sooo much. Your blog is the first one I go to, not only for your creativity which is amazing but for your humor too. Your depictions of your family life and your crafting are hilarious and heart-warming too. Best of luck with your husband's disability trials and tribulations, it is a difficult row to hoe, for sure. I'd order from you if I could but I can't from Canada. Best wishes and God bless you and your family.

[Lisa Edie]

Love the bunny! I just wanted to let you know how much your wit and cards ideas are appreciated. God IS good!

[Littlemom369]

I'm new SPS and did not realize all your family is going through. My prayers are with you. I am on disability and know what it takes to get it...just don't give up! Your family will make it through and come out better than before. God is using this to refine you...remember you are being made as gold. With Christian love, Ruth

[Amanda]

I have missed your creativity! You make such fabulous projects. I hope you are able to post more often now! Good luck with everything, and I will pray for you!