Moving, Maturing, and Men

Wow, where do I start?

So I lived in the house with the other single mom for about six months. She got married and moved out...and got a strange new attitude toward our friendship. We are no longer on speaking terms, unfortunately. But that was my call after she said some terrible things to me and displayed her true colors as no more than an elitist, judgemental beeotch.

I stayed in the four-bedroom house and got a new roommate. A man, whom I'd met and dated briefly, which then turned into a friendship. He loves kids and proved to be great with Ronan and a decent roommate. His name is Phillip. More on him later.

Landlord of the home decided he wanted to sell! So, there I was getting ready to move again after I'd decided I'd found a place I wanted to call home for a long time. So be it. But we found a great three-bedroom home, three blocks from the school Ronan would start pre-k at. Phillip would have the master suite, an add-on over the garage, and Ronan and I would be side by side in the downstairs bedrooms. I made sure I could afford the place on my own in case the roommate situation didn't work out. He seemed about as fickle as me on where our relationship stood. Let's just say we were friends on a regular basis but more than friends on a frequent basis. But I kept my distance and my heart guarded.

We moved, with just myself, Phillip and a friend of his to move the entire house. We accomplished it in one day, somehow, and worked our butts off to do so and save on the rental truck. Apparently my hard work was the catalyst for Phillip regarding his feelings for me. More on that later.

Ronan loves the new place. He's got a room big enough to keep all his toys in, but plenty of room to spread out, like creating a racetrack on the coffee table ottoman, and has claimed my $10 thrift store armless "hug-me" chair as his own. He sleeps peacefully and has a ginormous back yard to run around in, ride his bike and have ninja sword fights. He loves school and is doing very well. Actually, his teacher reported he gets bored with the curriculum because he's so far ahead of the other kids! He had some behavior issues for the first couple of months, but everything has been ironed out and he's doing well. He also attends daycare after school and has improved in that area as well. He's getting so grown up in his 4 1/2 year old little body. Five is just around the corner this coming February. He's decided on a Transformers theme.

Phillip and I have been serious since the first Monday after we moved in May. I'm sure there's an easy-to-figure date, but at the moment I'm too lazy to look it up. I officially moved into his room about 3 months ago. He has become an amazing father, and an amazing partner. Sometimes it's scary how much we are alike, but we are just different enough to keep things interesting. We  have officially planned on getting married and having a child of our own. Never thought I would be having another baby, but now I can't wait. I've still got a good few years left on my biological clock, so there's no rush. And Ronan is looking forward to having a little brother or sister.

So, I'm officially no longer single mom. Phillip has had to leave for a while to take care of some legal issues, so I'm at it on my own again for now. But, just like riding a bike, I'm holding things together.

I suppose that covers life. I've had a few different jobs this year but finally found one I love. I'm working as a seamstress for a small company that makes custom leather auto seat covers. Love, love, love. It's so nice to look forward to going to work everyday.

I almost forgot. I'm no longer agnostic. Phillip helped me find my way back to God with a simple prayer. A "thank you" for watching over the little things in my life. I've found so much peace in my new-found faith.

That's the update. Hope you enjoyed. I hope to keep this up a little better. No, a lot better. I enjoy having a catalog of events of the little things that go on in my unpredictable life. I like it that way though....unpredictable. Attribute it to the bipolar, if you will. But things are never dull, for sure.

Life, Volume 33

It's been over a year since my last post and a lot has happened. Not going to catch up just yet as I'm typing this from my phone. But soon. Glad to be back.

Just Sayin...

We received an overpayment of child support AGAIN. Last time it was only $170. This time it's over $400. I'll receive a letter saying they can deduct 10% of the regular payment until the overpayment is reconciled. Why do they do this?? On a happier note, Ronan seems to be progressing in his potty training. Well, during the day. He has suddenly started wetting the bed every night. I don't think we've changed anything? Even if I get up in the middle of the night he's already wet. Hmmm. And he refuses to wear anything but underwear now - no PullUps.

What's Behind the Brands We Trust

I already published this article on my vegan diary blog. But, people need to know - I have used many of these brands for years without knowing they perform animal testing on their products. Please make yourself aware, and hopefully you can begin to try new brands that are cruelty-free.

Being Vegan: What's Behind the Brands We Trust

What Will I Plant in My New Garden?

I am so excited - how will I contain myself for 2 whole months? Ronan and I are moving out of this dinky, roach-infested, college-student-ridden apartment complex and into a rent home.

A long-time good friend (also a single mother) and I are moving in to a 4-bedroom 1-3/4 bath house with enough room for a play area, a craft area, a mudroom, and a huge backyard and patio. The kitchen is sizable, with a nice, separate dining nook and of course "watsa, watsa" cabinet space (Ronan loves using that adjective).

We will both be closer to work. The boys (hers is 5) will have separate rooms so they don't have to be around each other all of the time. Individual rent and utilities will be cheaper. Instant babysitter! Above all, I can't wait for Ronan to have all of that room to run around. There is a garden, already prepared, that is about 16x20, a storage shed, and even a dog run - who knows?

I've made it a year here, an accomplishment that was difficult and that I am proud of. I wasn't going to move, so that Ronan could actually know a "home" for a change. But this house will be home, and a much better one. My friend and I are so stinking excited, and the boys both loved the place. We know of course, their stamp of approval is the most important of all. I don't know that they realize what is going on yet, even though it's been discussed, but hopefully the new won't wear off and they'll enjoy the mom-mune idea. Hey, it's working for groups of single moms over the country to combat the economy - why not us?

So, who's not busy at the end of July?? :)

Pauls Valley Artist Kent Stewart

Local artist J. Kent Stewart is creating quite the pleasing array of paintings and they're actually available to buy. View his site here or visit some of his works in person at Your Framer on the corner of McClure and Chickasaw. http://jkentstewart.blogspot.com/

Too delicious!

Made these last night, so good! And my friends loved them too.

Delicious Vegan Sloppy Joes

Your Framer

A dear friend has relocated her coffee house/boutique/custom framery in Pauls Valley, OK. Amber is very environment-conscious and also vegan-friendly. Her hard-to-find products are a breath of fresh air to this artsy little community. Pictures posted below were taken April 28. The shop has not yet had its Grand Opening, but it's sure to be something you don't want to miss. Duck in for a custom latte or house drip after dining at the Boomerang Grill across the street ;)

View more photos on Facebook and visit the shop's page here.