In God's Hands

Just realized it has been a while since I last posted. Time goes so fast and even without a job I am always busy with something or another. Things have been quiet as far as the job searches are going. I did go on another interview for a second potential employer. I have been told that there are between 100 and 400 applicants for the two jobs I have interviewed for which makes me feel good that at least I am sitting there for an actual interview. But it is almost unbelievable to me that there are that many people trying for just one position. That knowledge sort of reinforces that we are in unsure and scary times.

On a lighter and much happier note...our daughter Lauren, came over the other evening and I was shocked how much bigger her baby belly has gotten. She is 23 weeks along. My husband and I took a turn feeling the baby move inside her. That simple act brings a joy to our hearts and a smile to our faces. That little girl she is holding moves like she is running on a treadmill. I wonder if we are in for a little dark haired dynamo?

I should be hearing this next week responses from the two interviews I have been on. HE knows our situation and HE knows what we need. I know it is all in God's hands and that is where I leave it.

Until next time.

A Peaceful and Beautiful Hobby

I just had to show off what Chuck has made. He took stained glass classes a few months ago. This is a craft that he and I have always admired and wanted to do. The classes were a bit pricey, so since he is a better hands-on learner and I do better by reading and researching (the anal part of me) on the internet and by borrowing library books I ended up learning quite a bit that way. I figured he is there to show me in person any way. We still have so much to learn and I am sure trial and error is a great teacher.

Our dining room has quite literally been transformed to a workshop and office. But since we are not formal diners any way, we now use this room more then ever. Chuck has an awesome workstation built and I have taken over the table as the new job search station.


So for Chuck's second project he took on the Celtic Cross you see in the picture. His first project was the 6x6 Dragonfly beginner's project that you make in class. So when he showed his instructor what he was going to tackle for his next project she told him that it was"VERY AMBITIOUS". Now Chuck being who he is didn't waiver at all and look at the beautiful finished project coincidently finished on St. Patrick's Day. Oh how I love this new hobby of ours.

I am good at foiling, picking colors, finding good prices, ordering supplies and generally choosing the "next" project. In other words.... I am the cheering section. Next I will work my way to cutting and grinding the glass but the soldering skills could take me a while as that looks a little tricky. Eventually I plan to do it all and then I have visions of traveling to art festivals and selling our art and earning a living that way. We will buy a huge motor home, travel the states and live happily ever after!

Thinking About What Really Matters

While sleeping in this morning, two phone calls came in - both for Chuck and both with news that wasn't exactly uplifting. Both calls were from different companies and possible job leads. One caller said his company "is under a hiring freeze" and the other caller said "we will keep you in mind but things are tight right now". Naturally I was tempted to feel down.

Saying a prayer what came to me was this - "BE STILL AND KNOW I AM". Now me being me, I tried to analyze that further and what came clear was: don't THINK I AM or HOPE I AM but..... BE STILL AND KNOW. So I rolled over and peacefully fell back to sleep. I need to share this with Chuck as I know he is feeling down about those two calls as well.

The other thing that came to me is keeping what we know in perspective and remembering what really matters. We have our health, each other and the love of our family. I have attached a picture of my mom and brother and us. We are missing Ben (son-in-law) in this picture and of course the baby bump (aka my future grand-daughter) but I had to share a small portion of what really matters!

Clothes Galore

What a blast I had washing, ironing and organizing my future granddaughter's clothes. I know, I know, I am easy to please not to mention extremely anal - I love to clean and organize (weird I know). The clothes pictured are sizes newborn to 3 months. The clothes, blankets, towels, bibs, burp cloths, etc. are gifts from Donna and Paul (Ben's dad and stepmom), Great Grandma Linda, and their friend Gretchen. Some stuff was bought by Mommy-to-be Lauren and the other stuff was picked up by me at a really neat consignment store that I found. The sleep gowns, onesies and newborn clothes are like new and I plan to frequent this consignment store just as often as I can.

So far my Baby Cakes has clothes in the newborn to about the 6 mo. stage (picture attached) and then another huge amount in the 6-9 mos. stage and a few items in the 12 to 2T stage. Not too shabby for a baby not even due till July.

Oh thank you Lord, for this tremendous blessing in our life! I am over the moon excited.

It's Official

Chuck got the official notice of lay-offs today from management. The waiting is over. We knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when so at least that part of this journey we are through. Not too sure we feel any different on this side of knowing.

He filed for unemployment and continued to make calls and do some job searching online. He is doing all he should be... especially saying lots of prayers. In fact, we both have been doing all we should be in a search for a new job so we can rest in "for today Lord, I did my best".

Let me tell you about one little dog who is thrilled that I have been home. Blu, my little miniature poodle is loving the daily company. He used to be left alone all day while we were away at work with only the radio as company, so now I can't leave his sight. He usually sits right up in the dining room in the chair next to mine while I am working on the laptop. If I get up to do anything he jumps down and follows me even if it means I am up only for a nano-second. Now that Chuck will be home temporarily it may be complete bliss for him! He is my dog technically but I think his heart belongs to Chuck. He loves to curl up in a ball and just sit on Chuck's chest - he would try to sit under his neck if he was allowed to.

We have an older poodle too. Toby is his name, he is going on 15 years old and he is suffering with blindness, deafness, and a bit of dementia but so far his appetite is good and he is not in any pain. As long as I don't move the furniture around (which I used to do quite often) he can get around. Blu drives him crazy sometimes trying to get him to play but Toby holds his own and does his bark and Blu walks away only to try again the next day. I am not a "poodle person" and I never thought I would own a poodle but they are so smart, don't shed (biggest plus in my book) and are loyal as can be. As long as the groomer never ever does the foo-foo poufy cut on my poodles all is well!

Well I give my thanks to the Lord, for another glorious day and ask that He protect us and guide us tomorrow:)

Huffing and Puffing All the Way

Happy Saturday - we have some glorious weather here in Florida right now. The kind where I can open windows and doors and enjoy a cool breeze. Rare are these days in FL, so we are in heaven. We have low to no humidity and cool temps and anyone who knows us knows that we LOVE IT like this. I told you before...we are living in the wrong State.

For free entertainment, Chuck and I hopped on our bikes and rode to Gemini Springs ( we are lucky enough to be able to bike to the trail from the house) to enjoy the bike trails. It has been a while since I did anything more physical than clean the house and wash the car so let's just say I was huffing and puffing my way through the trail. It felt good to finally pull up to the house and get off that bike. My legs were complete rubber and I almost fell to the ground (yeah it was funny) and my rear end was numb but for today I did it! Now the trick is to keep at it and I am not too good at that trick. Chuck is my great motivator, he has the perseverance and drive that I lack. He is a great cheerleader minus the skirt and pom-poms!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, we are!