Hello, World! Yes, we are still alive--albeit, very, very busy! "Doing what?" you might ask. Well, let me tell you!
Several months ago, Mike and I evaluated what would make us happier and better parents, spouses, etc. We decided the stress of our day jobs wasn't contributing to that goal...and really, the jobs in and of themselves, wasn't really contributing either. We started talking about going back to school. Regardless of which of us went back, the other would have to work. We looked into colleges and universities in Oklahoma, and Kansas. We started looking at other jobs, in the Tulsa area and the Wichita area. I landed an interview with LPS (Lender Processing Services); Mike thought things were going really well here. Long story short, I turned down the job with the intent of staying in OK and considering taking a few classes starting in January.
That all changed when Mike lost his job at the end of September. Suddenly, we had the freedom to truly move back to Wichita so Mike could continue his Education degree. I just needed a job. I contacted LPS back to see if the home-based-position located in Wichita was still available. And it was, but they had just renewed the search. So from September and all through October, I waited on pins and needles to see if I would make the cut. I got the news a week and a half ago--they wanted to make me an offer!
Lots of prayer and thought went into this, as we have great friendships in Tulsa, not to mention all of Mike's family is pretty much in the immediate area. God truly opened the doors I was to go through; and He continues to open them. The timing could not have been any better. My last day at my current job will be this Friday, 11/11. It is bittersweet, as I have loved that company for over 5 years. I'm also leaving right before the holidays--my favorite time of the year there, as everyone gets giddy with excitement over the annual Christmas party. Maybe they'll still let me come?? :)
We secured a house in Bel Aire; Skyler will be going to Resurrection Catholic School, where myself and my brothers all attended K-8th grade. My parents will be about 10 minutes away. Our house...oh the house!! It has 4 bedrooms PLUS an office and three living areas. Houses there have basements so we literally double the square footage on the main level. Skyler hasn't seen it yet but I think it will meet with his two requirements: stairs and a "bat" cave. The basement has dark brown carpet and has limited daylight like most basements, so it kind of has a "bat" feel. I think he will love it!
The plan is to load up the UHaul Saturday morning and make it to Wichita by 4pm to unload. We will unpack for the next three days. Then, Skyler and I are flying out to San Diego for Tadd's graduation from the Marine Corps. I'm so proud of him! Skyler is really excited about flying out there. I will post stories and photos once we are back! We get home Sunday late and then I start my new job on Monday. Mike is still looking for a job up in Wichita and is focused on finding something where he can contribute with a wrestling team. So far, doors keep opening in that direction--we just haven't gotten through them fast enough. I have a feeling it will be the right timing once we are settled in.
So wish us luck, Tulsan's! Welcome us back, Wichitan's! We are sad and excited, but mostly happy about these new changes. Less stress (hopefully). No office drama or politics. The ability to go back to school fulltime. And lots, lots more!
Lots of Love!
-The Copeland's
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Where's my Help?
I just finished a great book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. They're actually making a movie out of it...I think it hits theathers later this month. I know it's impossible to fit everything that happens in a book into the movie--I mean, if it takes you approximately 12 hours to get through 400 pages, no wonder major parts are skipped to make a 2 hour movie. I for one am excited to see the movie, even if somethings are left out. While reading, I found myself laughing and crying over various parts, mostly the stories about Mae Mobley, a young child very close in age to my daughter.
I believe I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy, good daycare for my children, and friends and family close by. I'm thankful to live in a country where the lines of segregation no longer stand as barriers like they did half a century ago.
Mike and I took the kids to a community pool this afternoon and then got the family ready for church this evening. I let Mike have some "man" time (playing on the playstation--something I'll never fully comprehend or understand) while I cooked dinner. Have I mentioned that I've cut our grocery bill in half? I'm not sure if it's the deep freezer, which allows me to stock-pile groceries when they go on sale, or the fact that I'm shopping more at Aldi, or if it's that I'm just planning better, but whatever it is...it's working! Now if I could just get that electric bill to taper off and head downwards.... wishing fall would hurry up and come!
Oh, and since I've gone off the face of the planet for a while, to update all of you--I went on my very first float trip down the Illinois river last weekend...and now, I'm hooked! My parents and brothers are coming sometime in the next month...and I'm very much looking forward to it! My brother Tadd goes off at the end of the month for basic training--he's joining the Marines and will be fighting to keep the freedom for this country that I love. My other brother, Scotty, the baby, is back up at KU for the year, but it will be good to spend time with him before his rigorous schedule takes over!
True Blood is on...must go now :-)
I believe I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy, good daycare for my children, and friends and family close by. I'm thankful to live in a country where the lines of segregation no longer stand as barriers like they did half a century ago.
Mike and I took the kids to a community pool this afternoon and then got the family ready for church this evening. I let Mike have some "man" time (playing on the playstation--something I'll never fully comprehend or understand) while I cooked dinner. Have I mentioned that I've cut our grocery bill in half? I'm not sure if it's the deep freezer, which allows me to stock-pile groceries when they go on sale, or the fact that I'm shopping more at Aldi, or if it's that I'm just planning better, but whatever it is...it's working! Now if I could just get that electric bill to taper off and head downwards.... wishing fall would hurry up and come!
Oh, and since I've gone off the face of the planet for a while, to update all of you--I went on my very first float trip down the Illinois river last weekend...and now, I'm hooked! My parents and brothers are coming sometime in the next month...and I'm very much looking forward to it! My brother Tadd goes off at the end of the month for basic training--he's joining the Marines and will be fighting to keep the freedom for this country that I love. My other brother, Scotty, the baby, is back up at KU for the year, but it will be good to spend time with him before his rigorous schedule takes over!
True Blood is on...must go now :-)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Halibut for the Hell-of-It
So I've fallen off the path and haven't been very good about posting my economical meals lately. I will tell you however that we've managed to cut our grocery bill in half by shopping at Aldi. I'm telling you, it is so worth it. It's almost relaxing too... Do you get anxiety just thinking about Wal-mart? Or even just preparing that weekly grocery list? Get to an Aldi around 9am on a Saturday or by 10:30am on a Sunday, take a deep breath, and enjoy your grocery shopping. Disclose: do NOT bring your children with you! While it isn't a specialty store, and sometimes you have to rummage through their produce to find something that hasn't been squashed, the experience is much different than that of the larger, over-crowded, over-stocked SUPER-markets around. Just remember to bring your own bags (I reuse Wal-Mart sacks) and make sure to have a quarter for your cart (you get it back when you return the cart to the rack).
I made it home from Chicago last night. I was there on business but had the opportunity to take a later flight home so that I could spend some time with three very special women in my family: my Auntie Carol, great Auntie Wetta, and great Auntie Dolores. We drove through the old neighborhood my dad grew up in, then to his schools where my Auntie Carol pointed out both his and her classrooms. A stop at White Castle for a cheeseburger and then to the cemetary where my Grandma Gino and Grandpa Mo are buried, and also my great Uncle Eddie. Next stop: Andy's Deli, a modernized family-run deli where ALL the workers speak fluent Polish or Czech and English (brought back lots of sausage for Dad and some pierogi's for me). Last stop: the Red Apple where we had a Polish smorgishborg for our lunch. I had a great time and am very grateful for being able to mix a little pleasure with business this time around. Miss my family already--oh the stories of my dad dressed up as Zoro or a Army Commando, running up and down the alley behind their house off Talcott Avenue...I can picture it in my mind :)
As nice as a trip away is, it's also nice to come home to family...AND what makes seeing them even better, is a clean house! Happy to be home, rested, and restored. Tomorrow is the Friday before a 3-day weekend, which makes it even better.
Oh and to those who knew my brothers and I were planning a surprise party for our Mom's 50th birthday next weekend...well, she knows so it's no longer a surprise! And I have my HUSBAND and my FATHER to thank for that one :)
Off to bed for me. To all a good night!
I made it home from Chicago last night. I was there on business but had the opportunity to take a later flight home so that I could spend some time with three very special women in my family: my Auntie Carol, great Auntie Wetta, and great Auntie Dolores. We drove through the old neighborhood my dad grew up in, then to his schools where my Auntie Carol pointed out both his and her classrooms. A stop at White Castle for a cheeseburger and then to the cemetary where my Grandma Gino and Grandpa Mo are buried, and also my great Uncle Eddie. Next stop: Andy's Deli, a modernized family-run deli where ALL the workers speak fluent Polish or Czech and English (brought back lots of sausage for Dad and some pierogi's for me). Last stop: the Red Apple where we had a Polish smorgishborg for our lunch. I had a great time and am very grateful for being able to mix a little pleasure with business this time around. Miss my family already--oh the stories of my dad dressed up as Zoro or a Army Commando, running up and down the alley behind their house off Talcott Avenue...I can picture it in my mind :)
As nice as a trip away is, it's also nice to come home to family...AND what makes seeing them even better, is a clean house! Happy to be home, rested, and restored. Tomorrow is the Friday before a 3-day weekend, which makes it even better.
Oh and to those who knew my brothers and I were planning a surprise party for our Mom's 50th birthday next weekend...well, she knows so it's no longer a surprise! And I have my HUSBAND and my FATHER to thank for that one :)
Off to bed for me. To all a good night!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
ohMIgosh!
I'm going to take a quick minute to update on our life :) Our family is doing great! Mike and I just celebrated our 2 year anniversary on Monday. We took the weekend to celebrate by ourselves in Kansas City. We acted like kids--we stayed up late, went to Worlds of Fun, slept in Sunday morning, ate as much food as we wanted. We spent an hour in a toy store on the Plaza and came out poorer than we went in...of course we had to get a few things for the kids. On our way home, we stopped at the Precious Moments Chapel outside of Carthage, MO. We picked up a few momentos, dedicated a memorial inscription to Mike's Dad and Brother, who have both gone on to a better place. I was really surprised Mike actually TOOK the exit. He's full of surprises, my husband! We also took the scenic route home and stopped at a winery in Vinita and picked up some wine. We collected our kids and didn't both unpacking--we were exhausted but ready to give Jillian and Skyler our full attention!
In other news...
Skyler was accepted to the acclaimed Monte Cassino school here in Tulsa. We are very proud of him and now we're focused on making it happen. Congratulations to our Big Cat!
Skyler and Jillian start at a new daycare on 5/31. Mike and I are both forever grateful to Mike's mom, Cindy, and our friend Erika for helping us out for the past several months. It seems like the kids have been on the waiting list forever at Small World, but the summer session will make for a good transition for the both of them.
Mike and I are keeping a lookout for our first house. Please keep our family in your prayers!
I'm planning to go back to school in the fall, part-time. And I'm also taking my real estate exam before the end of this month. Wish me luck. And pray. The more prayers, the better.
Well, my husband is telling me that I'm a nerd for blogging...especially while Beck is on. So alas, I must bid thee adieu. Glenn Beck is calling my name!
In other news...
Skyler was accepted to the acclaimed Monte Cassino school here in Tulsa. We are very proud of him and now we're focused on making it happen. Congratulations to our Big Cat!
Skyler and Jillian start at a new daycare on 5/31. Mike and I are both forever grateful to Mike's mom, Cindy, and our friend Erika for helping us out for the past several months. It seems like the kids have been on the waiting list forever at Small World, but the summer session will make for a good transition for the both of them.
Mike and I are keeping a lookout for our first house. Please keep our family in your prayers!
I'm planning to go back to school in the fall, part-time. And I'm also taking my real estate exam before the end of this month. Wish me luck. And pray. The more prayers, the better.
Well, my husband is telling me that I'm a nerd for blogging...especially while Beck is on. So alas, I must bid thee adieu. Glenn Beck is calling my name!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time Is Precious
March 2011 is almost over, Folks. In the busy world we live in, we are always trying to get ahead, forecast what's going to happen, figure it all out before it happens. And while we are often so far-sighted, we can lose track of the present around us.
Have you watched how quickly the days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and years and so on? I remember being a kid in school, thinking that summer would NEVER come. And now I watch it all go by in the blink of an eye.
My children are growing and I just want time to stop. My little boy is 4--I remember how tiny he was in that NICU. I remember his itty bitty fingernails and how deep the wrinkles were in his skin. And now he has so much energy and is full of life; he runs circles around me. He loves his bike, Spiderman, and books. The villian in any movie or cartoon he watches is really a bad dude that we have to look out for. And I know that soon my baby boy won't be 4; he'll be turning 14 and then 24. And then I'll be OLD :)
How quick we are to forget that life is precious and time is fleeting. There's so much I know I take for granted. There's so much that gets put off for tomorrow. Goal: live in the present
God, Grant me
The serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
The courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Have you watched how quickly the days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and years and so on? I remember being a kid in school, thinking that summer would NEVER come. And now I watch it all go by in the blink of an eye.
My children are growing and I just want time to stop. My little boy is 4--I remember how tiny he was in that NICU. I remember his itty bitty fingernails and how deep the wrinkles were in his skin. And now he has so much energy and is full of life; he runs circles around me. He loves his bike, Spiderman, and books. The villian in any movie or cartoon he watches is really a bad dude that we have to look out for. And I know that soon my baby boy won't be 4; he'll be turning 14 and then 24. And then I'll be OLD :)
How quick we are to forget that life is precious and time is fleeting. There's so much I know I take for granted. There's so much that gets put off for tomorrow. Goal: live in the present
God, Grant me
The serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
The courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lent - Belated
Hello, World! I am alive!
As many of you know, last Wednesday marked a start to the 2011 Lenten season with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. On this day we remember where we come from, and to what we return--ashes. Whether or not you believe in God, there's one thing you can't deny: we will all meet our end eventually. So why not live a good life? Or strive to lead a good life?
Each Lenten season, I give something up to remind me of the sacrifice Jesus made by His death on the cross. This year, I'm giving up FaceBook. In addition, I'm not eating lunches out (which includes fast food and anything with a tip) and I'm attending Stations of the Cross each Friday. If you've never been, I really encourage you to attend--even if you're not Catholic. It's a neat tradition that allows you to walk in the footsteps of Christ before his crucifixion. Of course Lent is in preparation for Easter, when Jesus rises from the tomb.
As I sit here and blog about the time of the year, I hope you can sense my renewed passion for my faith. I'm not the preachy type, but I am proud to say I am a Christian woman. I wish my actions reflected that more often, and it is something I strive to improve each day, in my attitude, thoughts, and words. I want to be a good influence for my children.
And as I talk about my renewed faith, Mike and I are talking about renewing our bodies...tomorrow, we start our work out regimine. I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it will be good for me. I'm not cancelling my appointment at the weight loss doctor just yet (set for April), but we are going to try to start working off the guts we've nurtured over the past 5 years. Hello swimsuit season, I'm going to greet you with a new body. I hope!
What else? I feel like I've accomplished a lot recently. Mike and I continue to pay off our accumulated debt so we can purchase a house this summer. Skyler and Jillian are moving up on the waiting lists at the two daycare programs we've selected for them. I've made reservations for Mike and I to celebrate our 2 year anniversary this May. All in all, life is good.
Dinner is from a bag tonight, allowing me time to write :)
As many of you know, last Wednesday marked a start to the 2011 Lenten season with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. On this day we remember where we come from, and to what we return--ashes. Whether or not you believe in God, there's one thing you can't deny: we will all meet our end eventually. So why not live a good life? Or strive to lead a good life?
Each Lenten season, I give something up to remind me of the sacrifice Jesus made by His death on the cross. This year, I'm giving up FaceBook. In addition, I'm not eating lunches out (which includes fast food and anything with a tip) and I'm attending Stations of the Cross each Friday. If you've never been, I really encourage you to attend--even if you're not Catholic. It's a neat tradition that allows you to walk in the footsteps of Christ before his crucifixion. Of course Lent is in preparation for Easter, when Jesus rises from the tomb.
As I sit here and blog about the time of the year, I hope you can sense my renewed passion for my faith. I'm not the preachy type, but I am proud to say I am a Christian woman. I wish my actions reflected that more often, and it is something I strive to improve each day, in my attitude, thoughts, and words. I want to be a good influence for my children.
And as I talk about my renewed faith, Mike and I are talking about renewing our bodies...tomorrow, we start our work out regimine. I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it will be good for me. I'm not cancelling my appointment at the weight loss doctor just yet (set for April), but we are going to try to start working off the guts we've nurtured over the past 5 years. Hello swimsuit season, I'm going to greet you with a new body. I hope!
What else? I feel like I've accomplished a lot recently. Mike and I continue to pay off our accumulated debt so we can purchase a house this summer. Skyler and Jillian are moving up on the waiting lists at the two daycare programs we've selected for them. I've made reservations for Mike and I to celebrate our 2 year anniversary this May. All in all, life is good.
Dinner is from a bag tonight, allowing me time to write :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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