an update of the mundane

Nothing new or interesting here.  We're just doing our thing...day by day.  We've done over 2 months of Mark working in KC now.  We're making it, but it's been rough some days and not-so-bad some other days.  The kids are good, though Conrey has had a nasty cold.  We've got a sassy 3-year-old and a stubborn 17-month-old.  Those of you who have older kids probably experienced the fact that the "terrible 2's" actually start between 15 and 18 months.  That is certainly the case here.  The cold has just tripled that.  Also, you probably know that the terrible 2's turn into the "Trying 3's."  We're definitely in both of those stages.

We have continually been amazed, in awe, and inadequately thankful for the many ways that God has blessed us.  We have learned a huge lesson lately.  We have learned that God will bless us in whatever ways He chooses.  We have learned to not limit His vehicles.  We have learned that blessings come in all shapes, sizes, and packagings.  God will provide always and He has and will continue to do so.

One thing that I will share.  We had a tough decision to make.  That stinkin' mortgage needed to get paid and the money was not in our account.  However, we DID have money sitting in a nice little IRA that Mark started when he was 20.  Pretty impressive for a 20-year-old to start an IRA and to have built up as much as he did in that time.  He was proud of himself, as well, for storing away for his (now our) future.  Well, we have had to withdraw from that account 2 separate times now.  It was a tough decision because you know that you're stealing from your future in order to take care of the present.  However, we spun our view of the whole situation and are much more content with how we now understand it.  First of all, the Bible says don't store your stuff up in barns to keep for the years to come because God takes care of the little birds each and every day and doesn't let them go hungry.  Therefore, how much more will He be mindful of ME to take care of ME!  Secondly, we have looked at the fact that the money is there differently.  Mark started his IRA way earlier than most people.  As a result, 10 years later when we were hurting for finances, that money was there waiting for us...right when we needed it!  What a blessing that we had that money available rather than turning to debt to get us through.  Hallelujah for God's wisdom and provisions!  Ten years ago, Mark would have never dreamed of touching that money until retirement, but God set it aside for us for such a time as this.  We still have a sizeable amount in the account and we pray that we don't have to drain it before Mark gets another job, but we know that God will show us His will and will provide for us both in the present and in the future.

We've filled out a bazillion applications and we're just waiting to fill out the right one that God has planned for us.  We've been so blessed by the friends and family that have taken care of us emotionally and physically as we've been in this holding pattern.  I recently told someone (I'm not sure if I blogged this or not), that I know full well that God has a great plan for us and we just need to wait patiently...I just wish that I had the Cliff's Notes to that plan.  :)

Oh, before I forget.  I have a funny Conrey story for you.  My sister's, sweet, sweet mother-in-law quickly became "Grandma Pat" to my kids.  They go to church with us and Cassie really enjoys giving her hugs.  She watched the kids for me Thursday night while I had a fellowship night with my Bible study girls because Mom was out of town and Dad was busy.  Our smoke detector had been chirping off and on throughout the week and started again while Pat was here.  It was still going strong at bedtime and I was frustrated.  I would have changed it, but it was way up high.  Anyway, I said, "Well, should we go see Grandpa?"  Cassie said, "YES!"  Conrey nodded and then ran off while I called my dad.  He came running back with his little hand up above his head holding my car keys!  I started cracking up!  I couldn't believe it!  I guess that was a "YES!!!"

Halloween was kind of anti-climatic.  Conrey was sick, so Mark stayed home with him Fri night and missed our Fall Festival at church.  Cassie had a blast (even though we (she and mommy) hit her forehead really hard with some ghosts).  Saturday, Conrey was still sick, so our day was pretty boring and then we dressed up our little kitty and our Blue's Clues and went to my parents.  We left Con there and took the kitty trick-or-treating for an hour or so.  I said, "You're not a kitty cat, you're a cutie cat!"  She sighed and said, "I know......"  She called herself Maggie all night, which is my dad's cat.  She loved T-or-T-ing and is already excited for next year.  Little does she know how long a year is to a 3-year-old...  :)

Well, I guess that's about it.  See?  Our life isn't entirely mundane!  Shame on me for thinking so!  :)  I will get some picture up when I'm able.  For now, I want to leave you with some old pictures.  Mark and I were looking through our computer archives on our computer and found some precious ones!  How blessed we are to have our beautiful children and all 4 of us being healthy!

This is my favorite picture of Cassie when she was little bitty!  Such a sweet face!

This is Cassie with a really cheesy grin when she first started crawling.  LOVE the little bracelet from her Grandma!

These 2 black and white pics are from Conrey's newborn picture shoot.  So sweet!

This was when Conrey was a CHUNK!  I love that it looks like he has a little haircut!

This picture was just too precious to me!  Look at those teeth!

PRECIOUS Sibling Love