Monday, June 20, 2011

Counting our blessings

Its been an interesting year to say the least, but even as I say that I am not down and out- I'm peaceably moving along with a smile on my face. For those that had not heard, Todd and I began the process of building a house and we closed on the deal a week ago Wednesday.  We forked over a bunch of money for closing costs and walked away content that we'd be in our new home by September.
The sad, lonely land
Then on Thursday, the very next day, he lost his job.  Since then we've stopped progress on the house and have begun the job hunt.  Crazy how a couple of events can change the course of your life.

Through it all, we have tried to maintain faith that we will be taken care of- whatever that means.  It is completely uncertain if we'll be able to stay in Waco or if we'll be able to finish the house.  Lots of "what ifs".  I've been amazed at how well Todd has taken everything and how quickly he has gotten back out there.  Of course since my income is pretty much zero, it is a necessary thing- but I would have allowed him some time to wallow for a bit.  However, on Friday morning- the day after, at 7:30am, Todd was outside the Unemployment Office, waiting for them to open.  Since then he has taken everything very seriously, and even has an Excel spreadsheet of everyone he has contacted, or has reached out to him.  That should come as no surprise to anyone that has ever worked with Todd. I love my guy.

He has had 1 interview, which went well but we know he didn't get the job, and he is currently in another one.  We are hopeful something will work out soon.  I know it has worried our friends and family- and US!  But we are moving along and laughing along the way.  What else can we do? We are also counting our blessings, so I thought I would document some of those blessings and share them with you!

1. Sydnee turned five at the beginning of the month.  She wanted to have a tea party- and since it was a Family party this year- we asked all of our family to come dressed.  They are such great sports. Here are a few of the pictures.

Two precious girls ready for their "tea".

Our amazing Aunt Melanie and her fabulous tea party cake!

Some fancy folks

We asked the girls to invite 2 of their girl friends, so here are Kaitlyn and Brooklyn all dressed up!

The party guests- see all those fun hats!

Had to show you my funny brother's mustache.  Funny dude.

Playing a little tea party game- this was the winning team...although they might have cheated just a smidge. :) Note my Father-in-law's tuxedo!

Pretty Aunt Anne with our little Lilly.

My fabulous Mother-in-law

My fabulous Mom!


Dear old Dad, isn't he dapper in that hat?
After our tea party, my father and father-in-law offered us blessings/prayers alongside our brother and brother-in-laws.  It was a very special moment to be surrounded by the best who love you best.

2. Ava and Sydnee took swim lessons at the YMCA.  They really enjoyed their time in the water and if things were different, I'd be signing them up again.  I'm proud of what they accomplished, but would feel a little bit better if they were more confident in the water.  Don't get me wrong, the lessons were great, I just want them to have more practice.

Cutie swimmers 
Sydnee in her  lessons

Ava in her lessons 


3. Lucy continues to be my little ray of sunshine.  She is just pure joy wrapped up in a little body.  She is my reminder, when life starts to get to me, that there is good and happiness in this world.  What a blessing!
Lucy at the tea party- she is very excited to use a fork these days.  :)
Note all of the little details- we never skimp on a party, we just have to be more creative at times!

4. One of the biggest blessing has been the love and support we have received.  People have come out of the wood work to let us know they are praying for us and keeping an eye out for anything that might be a good fit for Todd.  We are so grateful.

5. Certainly our biggest blessing has been the peace, love, and support we have felt from a loving Heavenly Father.  Its weird to feel peace despite the insanity and uncertainty of our future- but that is what we feel, and there is only one source for those feelings. We are so humbly grateful. Thank you Lord!

So that's our life in a nutshell.
xoxo,
Lindsey