The End of an Era

This past week has been quit amazing.  Tony found out on Wednesday that he would be the new Staff Accountant at Central Illinois Trucks (CIT) here in Normal.  That has been increadible news.  The doors this opens for our family are endless. 

1. Tony gets to work an 8 to 5 job (with an hour lunch).  He no longer has to work two jobs, doubles (7 to 
    3 at Corn Belt and 6 to 12 at Qik N Ez), extreme weather, after pulling an all nighter for school, etc.
2. It will allow him to get his masters (which he needs to take the CPA).
3. He can sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant....needs to move up in his career).
4. He is going to miss any milestones of his daughter (working doubles all summer would of done that).
5. We can pursue buying a house in the next year.
6. We now have enough income to be qualified to adopt internationally.
7. More oppertunities to serve in ministry.

There are so many more then that but those are a few.  Needless to say, my man has worked so HARD over the last few years.  I feel like a era is coming to end. 

Part of that "era" will end tomorrow.  I will no longer be a roofers wife.  That's right....after first being a roofers girlfriend, then fiance, then wife for the last four years it will all be ending.  Corn Belt roofing and Mike have been one of the most amazing blessings in the last four years.  Mike has always given Tony time off when he needed (for Addilece and I being sick, to spend time with family, for school, etc), he has taken the time to truely invest in Tony's life, he has gotten to know me, he has encouraged and blessed us in more ways then I probably even realize. 

Mike holding Addilece in the hospital.  It was neat to watch this rough, tough guy melt over this tiny baby.  Tony constantly labels Mike as a crazy roofer, but he sure has a soft heart.

Early morning roofing.  John and Tyler are Tony's other "bosses". 

I wish Tony and I could express to these three guys what they have ment to us but I don't believe that will ever be possible.  So I guess we will just keep praying to God abundently blesses this company and the hands that run it. 

P.S. If you ever need a roof done Mike is a GREAT Christian guy.  He will not be your cheapest bid but he will do an excellent job on your roof. *wink, wink*

"Me Do It" is Worth It

Lately I have started to see those words over and over again with my beautiful wonderful child.  Yes, I meant to say see.  She can't speak them but her actions are ringing loud and clear.  She has wanted to be "Little Miss Independent" all the way.

Sweet Pea began crawling about three weeks back.  This past week she began pulling up and that is when the trouble began.  Suddenly our world turned upside down.  Meals times were a nightmare, nap times caused me to pull my hair out, and boy was I frustrated Mommy the few times I saw 5:30 on the clock. 

There have been times throughout the last few weeks that all I wanted to do was pull my hair out.  However, then I capture moments like this and it makes it all worth it.

And my favorite:

I'm quickly reminded that even in the "me do it" moments it is well worth it.  I look into those blue eyes and I grasp the depth of the responsibility that God has given to Tony and myself.  He has entrusted us with one stubborn, opinionated, independent, beautiful, smart, "talkative", FUN little girl.  I pray everyday that he will make me the best mommy I can be.  My heart's desire is to have this beautiful blued girl grow up to be a strong woman of God.