Gratitude

I'm not usually one to go all philosophical on my blog--but I have felt a strong desire to write about how grateful I am for where I am in my life right now. Jess and I have been enjoying a crazy roller coaster ride the last few months, but I can honestly say that I am more content with how things are than I can remember being for a long time.

At the end of January, Jess lost his job because of the economy and the virtual halt in the new construction business. We had kind of seen it coming but were still a bit stunned when the time actually came. So, for the last two and a half months Jess has not been working and I've been the little pregnant wife bringin' home the bacon. :)

What a blessing this has turned out to be for us. Huhh??? I know that's what you are probably thinking because really this couldn't happen at a less convenient time what with the impending birth of our first child and all and the lovely mortgage we've taken on in the last year...but it truly is a blessing. And here's why:

1. I've always been big on tithing and never struggled to pay each month. But because I've never been in a financial bind, I've never been able to really deepen my belief about paying tithing. But now I definitely have. I am certain that it is because of obedience to this that we are doing just fine even though we've been without Jesse's income for nearly three months now. Mathematically it just doesn't add up--but I guess some things in life just don't make much sense logically.

2. I'm SO grateful that both Jesse and I come from families that taught us the importance of saving and being careful with how we spend our money. I'm so glad that we listened to this advice and have money socked away for a rainy day emergency such as this-even though amazingly enough, we haven't needed to use it yet. Again, I have to say that tithing is a total miracle.

3. I'm very grateful that Jesse's dad worked so hard years ago to establish and own a successful barber business with an impeccable reputation. Everyone down in the Spanish Fork area knows "Brad the barber" and if they don't go to him themselves, then they know plenty of people who do. Because he took a risk years ago and started his business, Jesse will have a stable and steady career in a few months when he finishes barber school and joins his dad in business. And it will give Jess and I the opportunity to take over the family business in a few years and allow Brad to spend more time with his family and grandchildren. Jesse is honestly more content with this choice of career than I've ever seen him-and he truly has a natural talent for it too. He's only been in school for a month and his instructors feel he could be ready immediately to start working.

4. Without the bad things in life, the good wouldn't seem so special. We are so happy to be preparing to welcome this new little baby into our family. It makes us so happy, and while now is not the most convenient of times to deal with job loss, we wouldn't change our situation for the world. We are so excited to meet our little boy and bring him home. And even though we won't be the wealthiest of parents right at the start, he will definitely not be lacking in love. And that's what's truly important, after all--right??

Last, we're grateful for friends and family that are so supportive with their love and concern. It's been a great blessing for us. We'll be sure to let you know how things go as Jesse gets closer to graduating.

Welcome to the Family, Ellie Jane!

On April 3, at 3:01 pm Ava was excited to become big sister to little Ellie Jane. She is such a sweet and tiny little baby and weighed only about 6 and a half pounds. Jeff and Megan are thrilled to have her and excited/nervous about having another member of their family.

When I held this tiny baby for the first time, I couldn't help but wonder and think about who she will become. It seems like just yesterday that I held Ava as a baby and now she is almost four years old, and constantly has us laughing. At the time, she was the first grandbaby in my family. Over the last year, we've had a bit of a baby boom and Ellie is the 3rd grandchild and our little Kien will be following soon after.

We are so grateful to have Ellie and another reminder of what is important in life and what makes us happy regardless of any other situations in life--family.