Life's Ups and Downs

Ok, so if you follow me on facebook you probably already know that we have had a very interesting week. On Monday David came home early. Most people wouldn't think too much of this, but I should have known better. When I saw him in the driveway it really didn't hit me that this could be really bad news. He then proceeded to tell me he had been fired. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a joke at first, esp. considering the fact that O'Charleys had worked him 7 straight days without a day off before they fired him. One of many injustices in my opinion, but I'm the wife, so what do I know.



Without getting into great detail, let's just say, I've been extremely FRUSTRATED! There are so many desires and hopes I am seeing just disappear or become crushed. Its so FRUSTRATING!



We also have some Ups to go along with the Downs. Last time my Dad had chemo he experienced the worst reaction to it he has ever had. So, when I knew that he was facing chemo again this week, I was really determined to PRAY and ask God for a mighty miracle and show of His mighty hand! And just as I expected, God showed up. Dad has been doing really well, only mild nausea. God is so awesome! Which helps me to realize, my personal family problems will work out in His timing.



So for now I'm hanging on to this ride of life, enjoying the Ups and trying to keep my eyes upward during the downs!

Christmas Pictures on a budget

This year, unlike last year which was totally crazy due to the fact I was sick ALL the time from my pregnancy, I was able to take Christmas pictures!

I decided to take them on my own and save the trip into town.

Because our youngest is well, really young, we didn't go to the the Opry Land Hotel to take the pictures. It is usually a family tradition to take our Christmas pictures there.

(On a side note, it truly is the best place to take Christmas pictures. So many beautiful backgrounds and scenes in the garden areas.)

Back to what I was saying, I decided to take pictures at Grammy's this year. So for your viewing pleasure, here are a few of our children's Christmas pictures.

Didn't drop off the face of the planet, just livin' in the country

Yes, we are country bumpkins for the moment. I thought since I have an Internet connection I would take full advantage and update our family blog. We made it safely to TN about a week ago. We are staying with David's parents for now. I am looking for a place to rent and finding a few promising places, we will see! Please be in prayer for that! David has seen a recent increase in work days, 6 days rather than 5! He drives 1hr and 15-20 minutes ONE WAY to get to work, so I guess I don't need to express how incredibly hard this is on him. It would be a huge praise to find something closer to his work and not to mention get back into the swing of our old life.
I'm thankful that we are getting time with David's family. Just ready for some normalcy!

My Dad is still fighting away in his battle with cancer. Its getting hard, I can tell in Mom's voice, I can tell in Dad's face, (when I was there). It just starts to wear on you. No rest, no way to get away from it. Please pray for strength, encouragement and total healing! i know these are the things closest to my heart for my Mom and Dad right now.

I better run. I'll post more later, if the Internet connection will cooperate!!!

7 more days

In seven days it will be time to say goodbye to Florida family and hop in the car and head back to TN. I am so tremendously thankful for the time we have had here in Florida.

Top 5 Things I've been thankful for during this extended stay....

1. Time- I can't say it enough. Time is just the most precious gift any of us has been given. Time to be with each other, time to love on each other and time to make precious memories.

2. New Family Members- Not only do we have a brand new family member, my sister and family have also welcomed their new little "peanut" into this world. When I say peanut, I mean it, She's soo tiny!!!!

3. Memories- You could kind of put this under time as well, but we have made some really fun memories. Memories, I hope my little girl will never forget. Especially those made with her PaPa.

4. Reuniting with old friends - I never set out to reunite with old friends, but this trip down has allowed me the privilege to get together with a few high school pals from youth group. It was sweet meeting each of their children and seeing my child play with theirs. I never imagined I would see those 4 friends on this trip, but God opened the door and it was a fun time with each.

5. A fond heart- They say absences makes the heart grow fonder and I can truly agree. The absence I have had from my husband has made me very fond of him. I miss being together. I miss being together as a family unit. I can't wait for things to get "normal" again.

God has been so good to me and my family. I hate to leave my Mom and Dad, especially since Dad is still fighting this terrible war called cancer, but I know God is his strength and will give him peace and heal him according to his plans.

God is good, all the time! ( On a side note, I heard My former pastor say something to this effect recently. When we say God is good, its not because He is giving us our way and things are going great. We say God is good because we trust Him and know He is faithful and working everything for our good! I very good explanation of this phrase, I thought.)

Back to what I was saying. I truly do covet every ones prayers. We will be back living in TN full time with David's parents in a week and although I am so grateful to David's parents for their hospitality and for the chance to recoup financially a little, this is a very challenging place for me to be in.

I just love having my own home and being a Wife, Mom and Homemaker in it. I kinda feel like part of that has been taken away with the absence of a "home". Yes, I realize its just a structure, but its also a dream.

My dream! A dream I desperately hope will come true again very, very soon.

My Baby Doll Niece

This is my newest beautiful little baby doll niece. She arrived this morning and barely weighs just under 6 pounds. We are all so proud of her.

Her big brother Josh, who already adores her.

Her oldest brother, Ethan, who looks pretty proud to have a sister.

Me, getting a chance to snuggle with her.

Proud Grandma (Nannie), welcoming her 7th grandchild into the family! Can't believe I didn't get one with Proud Grandpa or Daddy. Oops!

Lauren meeting her cousin for the first time.

Free Train Tour

Here are some pictures from our trip to the Disney "A Christmas Carol" Train Tour. Enjoy!

Conner's Amazing Acres

Yesterday we went to Conner's amazing Acres in Callahan, Fl. We went for the maze, but ended up having to skip the maze. The weather wasn't cooperating! It was SOOO HOT! It really is a great place with tons of stuff to do it's just too hot right now in Florida! Enjoy the pictures!