November Blessings

Life is really hard.  It's been really trying, but I am still thankful.  I am thankful this week that my family is together for Thanksgiving.  This momma's heart is very happy and full.  I find that I can't think of wanting material things, only to have my family together.  Josh is home for a week and we are using every moment.  He almost didn't get to come home because he didn't have a ride.  His car wouldn't start, but my giving husband drove 4.5 hours to fix the car and then 4.5 back home in one day!  College is hard for him, but he is maintaining.

On another note, Jenna has started basketball.  It's a new adventure with new players and a new coach, but she is having fun.  She has only had two games, and my phone doesn't work right at the moment, but I got a couple of pictures.

Jacob is still working hard and just got a car today.  I never imagined him getting one and needless to say our driveway looks like a used car lot this week (and Jack's brother's truck is still in our driveway).

School has been good but very busy.  I am so tired of working 10.5-11 hour days and still not having money to pay for college or things to show for the work, but all I can do is keep chugging away.

November 3

It's hard to believe we are in November already.  It was good last week to have Josh home for the fair and spend some time together as a family.  I was happy to see Jenna compete and do so well in the fair.  Now it's on to basketball for her.  Life is crazy busy and I just can't seem to get ahead of things.  I work 10-11 hour days and then come home and do all the necessary things just to get by.  Housework and such has to wait until the weekends.  Just trying to make ends meet.....paying for one in college, bills, life and everything that seems to be breaking down around the house.  It's a little discouraging to say the least, but that's life.

Plugging along

It's been awhile.  I work.  I don't have time to post every day.  Not to mention, it's been a difficult few weeks.  Things have been busy and very stressful. Jack's brother passed away, Josh is struggling in college (although he loves it there) and to put it nicely, I have felt unbalanced.  Jake took a driving class in Concord Charlotte and Josh was able to drive up Saturday to meet us there.  It was nice to see him if even for a few hours.  I also have some photos of him that he has sent to me.  We also had our family fall fest a few weeks ago, but like I said, it's hard for me to post.  I hate posting trying to come across as everything is just rosy and going well when I am struggling, so forgive the delay.

Wilds

I am missing Josh.  I didn't know it would be so hard.  I did get a picture of his roomates.  He of course already knew Wes, but his new friend Christian has been a welcome addition.  I am so glad they all get along. The pictures show them joining the same society.

This past week I spent the week at the Wilds.  I really enjoyed going.  It was different for me working with 10-12 grade girls, but this old lady did pretty well.  I did the zip line, which was incredible and the giant swing.  I hope I made a difference in their lives.

Changes

A lot of changes happening in our household.  I feel like through this entire process I am aging by 20 years.  If I had darker hair I am sure I would be totally gray by now.  My nerves are shot.  First of all, Jacob got his license this week.  I tried to put if off as long as possible, mainly because he always had Josh to drive him around, but taking them back and forth to school was getting too much (even though I am there I go and leave at different times).  On top of that, Jacob got a job at Bojangles.  I am so proud of his enthusiasm for this.  He had applied to Chick fil A so many times only to get turned down.  He applied at Dairy Queen and so many other places.  One night he went to Bojangles and saw that they had open interviews.  He also had an interview at Smithfields the next day.  We found out the Smithfields he was interviewing for was in Garner/Raleigh.  We weren't too happy.  When he got to the interview the guy would not even interview him without a work permit so he went over to Bojangles and got the job on the spot.  I love watching his enthusiasm.  I am not sure if I can handle this driving thing again, but I guess I should get used to it because Jenna is coming next in less than a year!!
     Our second change was taking Joshua to college.  He actually went down early because of his job so he was all packed in.  I didn't get any pictures except what Sara sent to me.  I will try to get a picture of his bed and all..  He is rooming with his best friend Wes and they also have a guy from MN.  They really like him.  Classes seem overwhelming right now but hopefully he can do ok.  I am hoping I didn't send him to the frying pan!!  Prayers appreciated for this mom whose nerves are completely in knots!

Misc Stuff

My brother went home for a class reunion and drove by the house I grew up in.  I wish I could see the entire house, but the trees are in the way.  So many memories in this house.  I wish I could take my kids back there to see it and I wish I could see it again.  I wish I could see the inside of it too.  We had 4 bedrooms and 1 bath upstairs and a basement. We had  88 acres with horses, cows and a dog.

Josh returned home from the Wilds Monday morning.  He was so ready to come home that he left at 6 am.  He wasn't supposed to come home until today, but they let him come home early. It's been great having the entire family together again.  We had dinner out Monday night and I don't ever remember such a nice family dinner.  I will treasure it always.  He met lots of friends at the Wilds, but this is Jake Goodwin.  Jake is the nephew of one of my dear friends and my college roommate, Julie.  She found out the Josh was at the Wilds and told me her nephew was there.  When I asked Josh if he knew him, he told me not only did he know him, but he was one of his good friends.  Small world!!  Julie came last weekend to see Jake and took Josh out to eat with them.

Hawaii

How many people get to say they went to Hawaii over their summer?  My kids got to do that and I am extremely envious.  Seriously, they had a good time.  They got to go to Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation and several beaches.  They also went to some swap meets and did other fun things.  They ran a VBS for the church for 5 days in the afternoon/evening.  These are just a few of the pictures I have from them.