Friday, February 18, 2011

Family Update

It was recommended by a friend (Thank you, Mindy, for the reminder) that it's time for a family update.

Jeremy and I have started exercising and watching our calories. We use My Fitness Pal online to keep track of what we eat each day and to log in our exercise. Jeremy has already lost 11 pounds and I have lost 4 pounds. I feel better during the day and find myself thinking about what I eat instead of just mindlessly eating. Jeremy has most of the guys in his office counting calories as well, LOL. I've been very busy trying to find low calorie meals and have had success with many of the ones I've found. We try to stay under 400 calories per meal.

We just lost our tenant in our Virginia rental and this is our first month without rental income. Let's just say we are feeling the pinch and I, personally am praying for God to see us through until we get another renter. It's complicated, though, as we are hoping to get back to Virginia next year and would like to be able to move right into our house. The longer it takes to get a renter the farther we will be pushed on the other end. This is definitely a test of my faith in God's provision.

We will be putting our South Carolina house on the market next month and that is causing a bit of stress. I want the house to look its best, but at the same time we need to live in it. The housing market is not as bad here as other places, but the average time on market right now is 4 months. If the house doesn't sell by October or November we will put it up for rent and go that route until the market picks up again. We would also do a lease-purchase option if necessary.

Horse Girl is doing well and growing up so fast. She is now riding at the barn three days per week and has just started some basic jumping. The horse she leases has arthritis in his right hock and cannot do too much. Her instructor makes sure to use the already broken cross beams so he won't break them if he forgets to lift his back legs. Otherwise he is fiesty thing and has already taught Horse Girl a ton.

Tall Boy is, well, Tall Boy. We have our ups and downs, but it seems to be getting more frustrating lately. He has never liked authority and has really been bucking us for the last two years. With his 17th birthday quickly approaching he is bucking even more so. In SC, parents can't do anything if their children "run away" at 17 except file a missing persons report. If the police find them they will bring them home, but no more. The exasperating part is that the parents are still financially responsible for anything their children do when they're gone!

Hopefully I will be able to get back on later, but we need to leave for a field trip. I am praying for a great day with friends and for sibling harmony.