Update

I have been wanting to blog for a while now, but have not had time even to upload my pictures. I always feel that whoever out there still actually reads this thing probably only does so to see pictures. Well, sorry...you're outta luck today.

Life has been treating us pretty well lately. We had a restful summer (maybe a little TOO restful at times) but stayed busy as well. The girls were involved with band (yes, they even practice over the summer!), girl's camp, youth conference, and community volunteering to name a few things. We had a visit from both of my brothers and their families this summer and headed down to Naples to celebrate my Grandma's 83rd birthday! Travis, the girls, and I took off for a short getaway to Stone Mountain for a couple of days and managed to sneak in a Braves game--we had a blast! I do have several pictures of these things, so maybe I can get them uploaded this weekend (it's good to have a goal).

Travis has been busy working two jobs--if you've been watching the news lately, you know about the hiring of "part-time" only workers. The commission thing has been stressful financially, so he has just finished up his first year at Publix. He really enjoys it, and we enjoy the fact that we know that when he is there, he is being paid. If he can get full-time and eventually work his way into management-that would be our dream. So, for now, he is doing both--commission job during the day, and Publix at night. It's hard, but going well. We pray daily for the right thing for our family, and know that Heavenly Father is mindful of us and our needs.

I got a new job this school year that I feel was just made for me--I am LOVING it! I took over as our school's bookkeeper after ours retired. The interview/testing process was stressful, and waiting for over a month to find out wasn't easy either, but it was definitely worth it! I am so happy that I still get to work with the same people and so happy with the job. I had always joked that my "dream job" would involve numbers and being shut away in an office by myself--kind of makes it seem weird that I got a teaching degree, huh?!?--and that is exactly what I have here. Of course, I don't shut myself up in my office--I do get out and mingle--but when I need to, I have a place where I can go and shut the door and work quietly. It is an 11-month position, so I still get a month off in the summer in addition to all of the other breaks throughout the school year. And more pay--another blessing!

I was thinking back to a couple of years ago when I interviewed for a teaching position here, made it to the final four, and then didn't get the job. I had prayed so hard, and felt for sure that the teaching job was for me and I was upset for a long time about not getting it. I am so thankful now, though. I enjoyed my secretarial job for the last two years, and being here and seeing what these teachers go through, I am so grateful that I DIDN'T get that job! And everything led me to where I am now--such a blessing! I know that I have been blessed with exactly what I need, and I have complete faith that the right thing will come along for Travis and our family when the time is right. What peace that gives to our family!

The girls have all settled back into the routine of school and busy afternoons--church, band, dance, piano, clubs, and of course--homework, and LOTS of it! They are all in honors and advanced classes, and Shelby has added AP classes as well. I am proud of them and all they do, but I am also often completely exhausted! I know it is all worth it, though, so I happily do all I can to help and support them.

We have recently found out that Shelby will be needing to have some surgery soon. She has what is called a "malrotation" of the intestines, meaning that her insides are "flipped." She will have her appendix removed, and from what we understand so far, will have her intestines 'tacked down' so they don't kink and cut off the blood supply (which would be disasterous). We have met with a surgeon here, but he chooses not to do the procedure laproscopically (since it is so rare) so he has referred us to a surgeon in Augusta. We are waiting to hear from them now. I am confident that everything will be fine, but I will be glad when we are able to meet with him and have more questions answered. Through it all, though, Shelby has remained her upbeat, happy, resiliant self--she teaches me a lot! So, to any of you who actually still read this blog, prayers would be appreciated!

I suppose that is it for now. I really do have some great pictures that hopefully I can get put up soon...goals are good, remember? :)