Turning Point...

Last week, an angel named J.J. walked into my life and handed me the part-time job I've been looking for to fill the exact time slots I needed to fill to be effective. I have to confess, I'm still in shock over this, but that doesn't mean I'm not profoundly thankful at the same time. And if that wasn't enough, my sister Sheryl got a job with the same woman...a full-time job (not part time like mine) that will get her out of the hell-hole more formally known as Hobby Lobby, and also out of the retail industry, period. That, my friends, has been a long time coming, and also a true answer to prayer, even though initially it seems as though she will be taking a pay cut to take this job. In the long run, though, I truly believe that she will actually wind up making more. I know the quality of life she will experience will more than make up for the difference!

We are both extremely excited about this new venture, which we will both start tomorrow. For me, it means that the financial noose that's been chafing my neck for so long will finally be loosened a bit, and I'll have more ability to help my kids and to help with the little one when she finally does get here. That will be such a blessing, just to know that I can, if I need to, whether I ever actually have to, or not!

Speaking of which...

We now only have 5 more weeks to wait until little Harmony (we think) makes her appearance! We are all so excited, we just can't wait. Personally, with Krystal's blond hair and Ian's dark hair, I'm rooting that she'll be a blazing red-head like her great-granddaddy Birl, and of course, her Nana (cough).

Wouldn't that be something???

Heartbreak...

Often as we grow older, and watch our children grow into adulthood and start families of their own, and assume adult responsibilities, it's all too easy to assume along with it that as long as they act fine, they can totally handle whatever life throws at them. But sometimes they just can't...nobody could...and it's so hard to know what to do to help, when there is nothing...absolutely nothing...that can be done TO help, except to feel...helpless.

That is where I am right now. My youngest daughter has suffered a miscarriage. A loss so devastating it defies description. I cannot imagine the depth of their pain, and I feel totally helpless against it, knowing there is nothing I can do to ease their loss. But I do know that it is during the darkest times in our lives that God's love shines the brightest, and I know that there is a reason why this happened, even though we don't understand it. The pain will dull in time, leaving a lingering sadness for what might have been. And we just have to trust in God's wisdom, that it was for the best. But the love we still feel for that precious little being will live on, and not be forgotten. That much I do know.

...And....we're OFF!

For all intents and purposes, today is the beginning of a brand new year. A year full of hope and promise. And it marks the end of a year full of accomplishments, of milestones reached and passed, as time rolls ever onward.

The year ahead holds much to look forward to, as I anticipate the birth of my son's daughter (we think) and my daughter's son (we think). There could not be much that could happen that would be sweeter than that. Matter of fact, I can only think of one thing, and that, too is a possibility this year. So who knows? The sky is the limit this year! And like one of my best friends keeps telling me, no matter what I am faced with, the answer is...I CAN!

I CAN forge stronger bonds with my family. I CAN get out of debt. I CAN watch healthy grandchildren come into this world. I CAN get healthy, really healthy, and I CAN stay that way. I CAN save enough money to go on the trip of a lifetime. I CAN keep 4 households afloat. I CAN find a second job that meets my needs. I CAN go forward with planning our move to TN. I CAN find a job when I get there.

I CAN be ready for good news in June. I CAN keep on keeping on, even when I am faced with bitter disappointment, because I CAN keep my eye on the finish line, no matter what. And the finish line is getting closer all the time.

I CAN balance all my eggs on one platter. I CAN multi-task. I CAN take time out for ME without the world coming to an end. I CAN say no!

And always, always, I CAN show my family, especially my husband, my children, and my grandchildren, how very, very much I love them, because I CAN do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!

Here's to a wonderful, awsome adventure called 2008! Bring it ON!