Contemplative

I think sometimes we don't realize that everyone can be at a crossroads in their life just in a different way than we are right now. There are the people that are middle age, divorced and want to find a companion again? They have nice things, good kids, good job, but still want something more and even though I envy alot of things this person has, this person envies what I have too? I never thought about it that way and realize, wow!, even though sometimes I feel like I don't have alot to be envious of that even the things we think are so small can be important. Then I remember that my wonderful relationship with my husband is not small, it is sooo big, sooo important and something that others can envy. I forget that even though we are living in someone's basement, don't own many nice things, don't do lavish things or have a lavish lifestyle that the simple things in life are really what everyone wants the most. They want a place to call home(no matter how big or small), a loving partner, healthy children, a job you stand to go to everyday, family, friends, and God.

Lately, I have really felt like I am ready for us to move on and find our own place, but I need to make sure that God this happens on God's time, not ours. Figuring that out sometimes I think is really hard, knowing that you are doing God's will? I pray for that more and more that I can know what God's plan in our life is going to be and to follow it. I want to make good decisions for my family and be an example to my friends that may not know Him that well. To show others that when you follow the Lord's plan everything will turn out ok!

Madison's First Year

Now, my baby girl is ONE YEAR OLD!!! I do not know where the time has gone!!! She has two bottom teeth starting to work their way in, walking all over the place, and says a handful of words including Elmo(which sounds more like Melmo)!!! Raymon finally went back to work last week with no restrictions from his dr. on his wrist! His first week was pretty mellow which is nice, b/c this week has been harder. Nice to know there are good employers out there that wouldn't get rid of someone even though they had to be out for awhile. Last weekend we celebrated Madi's first birthday! We cooked out hamburgers and hotdogs, sat on the deck, opened lots of presents and ate bunches of Elmo cupcakes!!! We had a blast b/c everyone that meant so much to us were able to come, even the out of towners. Madi's fav present was definitely her plush little Elmo couch(thanks Kristen and Pete)!!! She sits on it ALL the time!!! She also started carrying around a baby doll and hugging and kissing it, so sweet :) We are so blessed and still love where we live. We have decided to start looking around at houses that we would get into by ourselves(parents cannot get anything they want for there house so for now we are going in one solo). We hopefully can get financing and look for a house around 100,000 that just needs a little work. Praying that God will help us find the right place and the right price! I hope we continue to grow as Christians and be the people and parents God wants us to be!!!!

Things are looking up

So, right after I posted my last blog we moved to our new place. On the day we moved Ray fell out of the back of the Uhaul and broke his wrist. It was a blow we were not ready for. He was going to be out of work for 6 weeks at least! Praise the Lord for short term disability(if you don't have you should get it)!!! We were just really concerned, b/c he had only been at his job for six months and they had already laid people off and were down to the bare minumum on workers, but God does provide. His bosses just told him to take it easy and don't worry! What a relief! After working at such a crappy job for 8 years you expect your job to always treat you crappy, but luckly his new job is pleasantly different. There is a reason God gave him that job! So, Ray has hung at home with Madi and I for 6 weeks! It has been really good, but sometimes we get on one anothers nerves! Today, though, he went and got his cast off and can head back to work now(only on light duty, no lifting). No surgery, no pt!!! PRAISE GOD!!!! Also, we really like our new place! We have so much more space and now that Madi is somewhat mobile(she pushes everything around) it is so nice to be here! We are close to my parents, closer to church, and closer to most friends! Now we are thinking about Madi's 1st birthday, which sounds crazy to even say! I cannot believe my baby girl will be one!!!! This year has FLOWN by!!!! She is the love of my life and sooo beautiful!!! We are soooooo blessed! Another nice change has happened. I have started baby-sitting once a week for an old, church friend I grew up with. It is good money and I get to take Madi with me! No more waiting tables and being away from my fam, 2 thumbs up! So, are lives have changed alot over these past 6 weeks, but in a very good way. We are blessed to have a great, FREE place to live, a wonderful marriage, a beautiful daughter, supportive friends and family and a great church family!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!!