Feeling blessed

This one's going to be a rambler so prepare yourself.

Today was an early day for us. David had to be at work before 7 to get things set up for an all day meeting. They're rolling out new product (or whatever it is they roll out) and so he'll be busy this week. I went ahead & got up because I was ready for Josh to eat (if you know what I mean!) and he was still sleeping. I made breakfast for David and myself and helped clean up the kitchen before he left. I just got out of the shower and even did my hair! Josh is still sleeping (although, as soon as I post this, he's sure to wake up).

Sometimes I like getting up early. Especially when the guys are still sleeping. It's nice and quiet and I can get a few things around the house done before Josh gets up and needs my undivided attention. He sleeps all night so when he does get up, he's ready to eat and doesn't tolerate a diaper change first thing very well. But I wouldn't dare wait to change him for fear of that thing busting. We really test the no-leak protection guarantee on those diapers! :)

We've been having a hard time financially just in the past few weeks. Everything was right on track, we were paying stuff off and had money left over at the end of it all but then all of a sudden, it shifted. I've been looking for a job and would love to find one that would allow me to work from home, but would need to make at least $1000 a month to cover daycare and have money left for bills. So, we've been without our phones for a few weeks and it hasn't been all that bad. I can still call 911 if something major happens and David has a work phone we can use if necessary. My Daddy got sick and I didn't have gas money to go to him. What if it had been life threatening?! Shameful. We're getting down to bare bones in the food department but we've been creative and had some interesting dinners. We haven't gone hungry yet. We have a friend who got some "extras" when they went to the grocery store and brought them to our house. She came just in the nick of time. We were out of milk, bread and lots of other things. I cried because of what a blessing it was and also because I was a little embarrassed. We got $60 and an unsigned note in the mail yesterday. It's happened before, from different people at different times, but I'm stunned every time. God does provide for us, even when it feels like He's forgotten or is too busy. It's a bit embarrassing, to be honest. David and I feel that we're too old to be in this situation and are more scared about it now because we have Joshua to worry about. I'm thankful that he is able to nurse and we don't have to buy formula. We would never be able to afford it.

Even in this time of struggle, I feel so blessed. Even now, life is so good. My little family is healthy. Josh is growing and learning. He's such a happy baby and is the joy of my life. David is a wonderful husband and daddy. I love watching those two together. I love them so much it hurts. My parents are happy and healthy (although they boh had a bit of a falling apart last week!). Daddy's tests revealed no cancer (!!!!!) and he's already back to work, serving the lost and visiting the sick. They're encouraging and caring. And even though I don't feel like I've done anything to deserve it, they tell me they're proud of me. My brothers both have dangerous jobs and thus far, have been spared from major injury. That in itself is a major blessing. Robert loves being a firefighter and is good at it. He wouldn't want you to know, but he's a big softy. I love watching him play with Joshua. I am proud of him and his commitment to our Lord, his wife and his fellow firefighters. His wife, Kate is so sweet. She's a good match for him and I'm so thankful that she loves my brother as much as she does. Matthew enjoys being a state trooper and even though it still blows my mind to think of my baby brother doing some of the things he does while working, I am so proud of him. He loves the Lord and his family and is strong and soft at the same time. Megan, his wife, is such a good match for him. I enjoy her company very much. It's nice to have sisters. :) She's smart and thoughtful. My grandparents (all 4 of them) are alive and well. Grandaddy is getting ready to fly off to Africa on the 29th (pray for that please!) and has revivals planned until 2011 or so. Grandmama is a loyal helpmate for him, a prayer warrior and they're both such a blessing to me. Grandpa is wise and a hard worker. Grandma is quiet and strong. She's soothing to my soul by just being around her. All of my Uncles, Aunts and cousins are happy and thriving (although I do earnestly covet your prayers for my Aunt Sissy, please). We live all across NC & VA (and even TN!) and as many times as we've run th8e roads to get together, none of us have ever had an accident on the road. That's amazing, really. I am so blessed to have been born into this family and wouldn't want it any other way.

We're planning a trip to the State Fair on Friday. So far, the "We'll be there" tally is at a confirmed 12 out of 21. Joshua will get to meet cousin Jake. Jake was at OCS when Josh was born and is the only cousin Josh hasn't met. It's been a while since all 21 of us were together in one place....in fact, I don't think there were 21 of us the last time we were all together. I wish we would all pick a date and meet up. I hate us being so spread out.

Well, Josh still isn't up. He slept 13 hours Sunday night. I was a little worried he was getting sick, but he seemed fine otherwise. We'll call it a growth spurt. ;)

I have a few errands to run today. I'm glad the weather is going to warm up for a few days.