My joy

Here is my joy right here.  I just wanted everyone home together for the holidays.  Time is getting away from me.  It won't be long before they move totally out and start lives of there own.  Having Bella around is a blessing too!!

2020

It's hard to believe that it is 2020.  Guess it's making me feel old!!

One of the benefits of working at a school is the breaks we have.  I have enjoyed the two weeks off and it has been good to have Josh home too.  Unfortunately, it makes it really hard to go back and I am dreading Monday!!  I am so not ready for these 11 hour days. Josh has one more week, and it will be hard to see him go again.  He did really well his first semester.  One C, two high B's and an A.  I  really didn't think he would do well.  I went out with a friend one day over the summer and she had a child that had attended BJU.  Her child did very well in HS but went to college and failed 8 out of the 12 classes they had the first year.  School isn't easy for Josh, so I was afraid of spending all that money only to see him do the same, so to see him do this well just does my heart good.  He has another tough semester coming up, but I believe he can do it if he continues his work ethic.

I've been able to do a lot of cleaning.  I cleaned out the hall closets and my closet and took 4 bags to goodwill.  Yesterday I sat down and got lesson plans done for next week and I even finished the study skills lesson plans for the entire 3rd quarter.  I really can't do that for my Bible class because some days we have deep discussions and some days we get through a lot of material.

I was able to go to the doctor over break too.  I had snuck away one morning from school to get my mammogram (takes me less than 15 min to do) and that was normal.  All my tests from the doctor came back fine too.  My cholesterol was border line, but she wasn't concerned since I hadn't fasted that morning (and had Chick fil A) plus the time of year in general, but I know I have to get that in line.  I am glad my numbers are normal, but was also hoping to find some other answers.

Jacob continues to work at Bo Jangles and loves having his own car.  Jenna continues to practice her driving.  She has enjoyed the break from basketball and will hit the ground running again next week. So we all will soak up the remaining 4 days before we hit the ground running.  I hope I can get used to working 11 hours a day again.  Happy 2020!!

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!