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.

Counting My Blessings

Today has been hard.  I have been completely overwelhmed and exquasted all day.  It has made me grouchy.  Several months ago our Pastor suggested starting each day by counting 10 blessings.  While I am not very good about doing it I love the idea.  So tonight I began to count.  I decided to write them out and why I chose these particular blessings.

1.  A little girl that laughs and loves life.
I have had a rough day with my muchkin.  She has been super clingy and needed and on a day where I really don't have the patience for it.  However, I have a little girl that is FULL of life.  And oh how I love to hear her laugh.

2.  Netflix
I had tried to convince Tony before Addilece was born that Netflix was an unnessicary expense.  Tony said we should keep it.  Boy was my husband ever right.  When Tony works late nights it is nice to have my "shows" to watch.  I am almost done watching all the I Love Lucy's and will move on to Andy Griffith.

3.  Making Smores with Tony last night.
So, I was pretty bummed all day b/c the one night we had free this week was taken up by grocery shopping.  However, last night Tony took time out of his studing to spend a little time with his wife.  We enjoyed making smores on the stove.  I am desperate for a family night, but love the time we do get together.

4.  Mike Riddle and Corn Belt Roofing
My mind has been racing lately with thoughts of wether Tony will get a job or not after gradaution.  However, while thinking about this I started thinking about Tony's current job.  Mike has been a more increadible boss then we could ever imagine.  He has always worked with Tony's schedule and done what he can to help support us.  I don't think Tony and I will be able to ever adiquately express our thanks to Mike for everything he has done.

5.  Spring Break
Next week is Tony's spring break.  That means one week of no school and stress for Tony, one week of some adult time, one week of Addilece getting spoiled rotten by her Daddy, one week for me to catch up on house work.  It also means about 8 more weeks and Tony is DONE!

6.  Addilece's clothing
I had some laundry to fold today....I hate laundry.  Its not the worst thing in the world but it sure is daunting.  However, almost all of Addilece's clothing up to 18 months has been given to us.  We have had to buy so very little.

7.  Spaghetti
I am still debating doning dishes tonight.  I feel like all I ever do is dishes...and worse the older Addilece gets the more dishes there are.  However, dishes are an indication of a yummy but cheap meal that filled our bellies tonight.

8.  Pretty things
So I was up giving our bedroom some much needed TLC (trust me, it still needs a lot more).  Now, that I am babysitting that room tends to be very neglected b/c that is where nap time takes place.  I'm so thankful that we can still have pretty things not only in that room but all over our apartment.

9.  Cheerios
Tony and I have been expirementing with Cheerios the last couple of weeks to decide if Addilece is ready for them.  Last night I picked up a few boxes at good prices.  Addilece went crazy today.  It kept her very entertained while I gave Connor lucnch.  Its hard to feed one and hold the other but Cheerios gave me a break from that.  I'm not sure if she liked eating them or playing with them more.

10.  The XBox
Tony has an XBox and a Playstation.  Connor loves to get at them and it can be a LONG day keeping him out of them.  Today was one of those days.  However, I'm glad my husband has something that he can let off some steam with.  Its his special thing.  And it allowed some bonding time with his nephew this weekend.

Six Amazing Months

Never has my life felt like it has gone quicker then it has in the last six months.  I never realized how big of a milestone it would be to get to this point.  She is half way through her first year already.  My how things have changed.  Enjoy my picture show of her sixth month photos:

    

Favorites:

*Apples

*"Flying" with Daddy

*Her Family

(seriously...we love spending time with family because when one person is done with her there is always another to make her laugh)

*Dogs

*Being or looking outside

*Other Babies

Least Favorites:

*Rice Cereal

*Bottles

(never have I seen a child more willing to go hungry in order not to do something)

*The wind

*Loud, sudden noises

*Getting stuck in the corner in her walker.

Praising God in the Storm

     Pain, hurt, sadness, confusion.  Those words have come to my mind over and over again over the past six months.  When I had my hysterectomy and I felt (to me) like I had lost everything I knew I wasn't alone.  I knew others had stories, I had heard some of them.  What I didn't know is how God would open my eyes and my heart to those stories. 
     For the past six months I feel like I have "accidently" come across story after story of those who have lost a child, couples dealing with infertility, families dealing with a sick or disable child, etc.  Many of these stories are just as sad, if not more sad, then mine.  They are filled with the deepest levels of despair.   I'm discovering the deep connection that loss and suffering has. 
    Even as I write this my page is on one of these sad stories.  On the playlist playing in the background of this blog is "I will Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns.  These "accendental" run ins have been such a source of hope and encouragement.  Each one of these amazing woman/families have seen God through it all.  While they admit it is hard they also choose to focus on him.  They find their hope in him.  They find their joy in him.  I pray that our story is the same as so many others.  I pray that God is glorified through it all.
     I thank God for bring story after story to me.  I thank God for those of you who have been so willing and open to share.  God is using you.  I praise God for those who have been open and honest on their blogs about their hurt and struggle and what God has done with it.  Many of them pray that God will use them.  They will probably not know until heaven, but they have been used. 

Here are a few of the words to "I Will Praise You in This Storm".  This is so dear to my heart.  Lord, I choose to praise you!!!

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to You

and raised me up again

my strength is almost gone how can I carry on

if I can't find You

and as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus