So proud.. =) and thankful!

     I could not be more proud of my husband! Not only because I love him. =) ... But because he started his new job today! The Lord has really been doing a work in his life for a while and so faithful to both Nick and Myself. Nick has not had a job in what he went to school for since we've been married and he graduated from school because there just hasnt been any jobs in that industry. We've prayed for years over that job and knew we just had to be patient.. and finally something has come through. =)) We could not feel more blessed than we do.. God has been so good to us its just amazing <3
    We are also so blessed by family and church family and friends that are close by for praying over his job situation since he was layed off in October.. Everyone needs a good fellowship of people who speak the Word of God and positivity over their lives.. its so important for your spiritual growth and relationship with Christ!
   

Big Adjustments

       So in the last couple of weeks I have started my on the floor training for my new job, which I could not be more thankful for. But its also a big adjustment. Going from working 10 hour very laid back days nannying to working 12 very overwhelming days at the hospital. I honestly wish I could just go in and know everything and do it like ive done it for years. But no such luck lol... Learning is part of it and everyone has a different learning style. I have to see it over and over again... unfortunately that seems to irritate some people but I have to keep telling myself its simply the way the Lord made me.. and im ok with it =) I am going to be working days at least until the end of February but Im looking forward to nights. Ive always been a night owl and other than my body adjusting to the time difference I really believe Ill enjoy it. God is so good. Every morning on my way to work I listen to praise and worship music and just pray over my day, not only that it will go by fast (lol) but that the Lord would just help me remember all that Ive learned so far and will continue to catch on. So far, and as usual, He has been more than faithful. Sometimes Ill look up at the clock hanging in front of the nurses station and its like the hands are just winding non-stop. But just the opposite when Im home.. which I LOVE! Spending time with my husband and family is what I look forward too.. its what gets me thru the day besides Gods grace =)
     

Independence

      Since the first week in December Nick has been doing a side job in Pageland, SC with a good friend to make some extra money while hes out of work. When he goes, he stays at his friends house because its closer to the job and just more conveinant. I cant say I have enjoyed him being away a couple nights a week but its something I know we have to do. It doesnt matter how long he has to do it though I know its still not something I look forward too. But I have to tell you that we have grown a lot during those days and nights we are apart. I think it is very inportant for woman to have a little sense of independence even after getting married. I cant say at the beginning of our relationship I liked that idea but after a while you learn that being apart and doing your own thing every once a while is healthy for the both of you. Ive known people who get so caught up in their spouses that they become very detached and almost unfriendly and not at all fun to be around. Im telling you, you learn so much in your first couple of years of marriage. =) So many times we have these almost fantasys of how things are going to be and its great to have expectations but things dont always turn out how we want them too, and thats ok... things happen. Its so important to just remember what brought you together in the first place <3

2011

2010 came and went.. and quite fast I might add! This year is going to be fabulous! I can just feel all the wonderful things the Lord has planned not only for Nick and I but for everyone! This is going to be a year of healing for many, change for others, and blessing for everyone! =)
   Tomorrow I officially start my first "big girl" job at CMC-Union and I am very anxious and excited. Tomorrow and Tuesday are Orientation then training will start after that at some point. I have been praying for this job for over a year and feel very blessed that the Lord allowed it to fall into my lap.
Already Ive heard some pretty pessimistic comments about 2011 and its only Jan 3rd! and all I have to say is.. keep it to yourself =) Lets remember that if not for the grace of God we wouldnt even be here to enjoy it. So the economy still isnt what we would all like for it to be, you may be living paycheck to paycheck(who isnt these days), you may be out of a job, your health might not be 100%, whatever it is that is giving you negative thoughts about this new year.. tell them flea in the name of Jesus!! This is a time for new begininngs, new thoughts, new adventures, new jobs, new friends, new experiences, new goals,... lets soak it up people!! Lets make 2011 one to remember <3

The start of something new..=)

     Christmas has already come and gone and I feel like it went by way too fast! This Christmas season has been amazing and to make it even better.. last night it started snowing!! Oh how I love snow <3 Jaq didnt know what to think about it.. everytime we took him out he starting munching on it like it was a snack =D For Christmas this year as I mentioned we drew names and Mom and dad still do stockings and some santa gifts ;) This year our big Santa gift was a trip to the beach next summer!!!! Well Mom and Dad made a down payment on a beach house for Them, Nick and Myself, Thomas and Tiffanie, and Morgan and Mello! And our close family friends Jasper and Linda =) So we will all split the rest of the cost... which isnt alot and it is going to be a blast!
    Also I finally got a call from Human Resources and they offered me the job I had applied for and I am so excited. A little anxious about starting over from scratch basically but know the job is from the Lord and have a real peace about it. I got the call last Monday and had to tell my boss lady Tuesday morning that Thursday would be my last day.. she was kind of surprised at how soon it would be but very happy for me which I was grateful for =) When Thursday roled around I knew it would be my last day with the kids and my boss lady was very emotional about me leaving. And that made me feel very important and special. It really didnt hit me until I was backing out of the driveway and the kids were waving bye to me =( I played a very significant role in their lives and them in mine.. But it wasnt goodbye forever I am still going to babysit when Im not working =)
    This is a huge move for me.. but I know its the right thing to do! SO lets get this ball rolling.. <3

The Loss of someone very special..

     This week started out as a pretty normal week. Started the work week monday, came home and got up Tuesday to do the same.. early Tuesday morning my mom called me and as soon as I answered the phone I knew something was wrong. She said  while crying..'Hillary, Ive got some sad news, Jasper called me this morning to let me know Josh is dead. It was an overdose and things are still kind of up in the air so Dad and I are going to Salisbury to be with Jasper and Linda." Let me now explain who Josh and Jasper are and why they are so special to our family.
   
    Josh and his mom and  his dad Jasper had just moved to Salisbury about 2 weeks before they were in a very bad car accident where his mother was killed. My mom and dad just happened to work at the hospital there in Salisbury the night it happened and thats how we met them. Then to find out they had just moved into a house right down the street from our house. So we ended up becoming very close. While Jasper was recovering from surgeries and going back to work, My mom would get Josh off the bus and feed him, make sure he showered, did his homework and basically helped raise him. Josh became like our brother and really evened out all of Thomas, Morgans and Mines personalities. Thomas and I werent quite as adventuress as Morgan and Josh loved being adventuress!  We would jump on the trampoline, ride fourwheerlers out in the woods, go camping and fishing, grilling out, we use to have such a great time as kids! We all even remember the Sunday Josh made the decision to ask accept Christ. =) As josh became an adult he began to struggle with some addicting behavors and although he tried and tried to conquer them, thru rehab and accountability, this past monday he paid the ultimate price after accidently overdosing on what they think was morphine. His dad found him Monday night and I cannot even imagine being a parent and finding my child in that horrible circumstance. My mom feels like she has lost one of her own children and its been a pretty tough week to say the least.
      Yesterday we had the honor being apart of Joshs memorial service. Myself, along with Thomas, and Morgan got to sing "I can only Imagine" and my dad had the honor of giving the Eulogy. And Although many tears of losing Josh were shed, Just as many happy tears were shed as well because Joshs chains of addiction are now broken. He has been set free! We had not seen Josh in a couple of years but it was like we had just seen him 2 weeks ago... we were family. His 26 short years of life will never be forgotten. We miss you and Love you Josh..

<3   Born 8-31-1984,  Set Free 12-13-2010 <3

The reasonn for the Season

     Well its finally Friday YAY!!!! This week seemed to go by very slooowwwwww. Now dont get me wrong, I love this time of the year and want it not to go by too fast but.. this week was just crazy! Nick has picked up some extra work and thankfully got it done yesterday and today so we will have the weekend to spend together =) That always makes for a fab weekend! There are so many things I need to be getting done but with having such an anxious personality type.. Im really trying to stay clam and not worry about it! We have not even started our Christmas shopping. Thankfully this year we drew names again so we only have a few gifts to buy but we know what we are getting so I guess thats a plus.
    Nick and I have made a few decisions this holiday season, not only about this Christmas but Christmas' to come.. #1 being that next year, we start our christmas shopping before the month of December starts! (possibly even finish it!) #2, pick someone to give a nice gift to who really needs some encouragement or a blessing in their life! Or who just deserves it =) #3, Soak up every second of family time! As a kid, Christmas was always a huge deal in our family not because Santa came but because our grandparents would travel 3 or 4 hours from SC to where we lived and spend the night.. Also Christmas day is my Daddys birthday =) So Its a very special time. My brother, Thomas introduced me to a song I had never heard before last week. I cant remember the exact title but it was the story of a little boy at the mall where all the kids had lined up to sit on Santas lap, and he asked where the line for Jesus was.. it was very powerful! And something to think about.. obviously theres nothing wrong with Santa bringing gifts =) Or Santa himself (hes just so lovable =)
But remembering that He is the reason for this Season (And every season really) is most important. <3