Why I'm Sitting at Home on the 1st Day of School

So, ever since I've become a mother, I've wanted to stay at home with my kids. In fact, when I was little, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say, "A mom." It wasn't until I realized that I was expected to have a career, too, that I decided to be a teacher.

For the past three years, I've been so fortunate to have the "perfect" teaching job, yet still I felt the call to stay home full-time. Unfortunately, Ben and I just really thought it was impossible financially. His job had been super slow for the past year and a half. Every summer, we would crunch the numbers, and then come to the same conclusion: We needed my paycheck and benefits. Plain and simple.

This summer, thanks to an amazing bible study, I learned to put things into perspective, ask myself the tough questions, and listen to what God was telling me. My heart kept tugging at me and whining, "I want to be home with my girls!" But this time, something (or I should say someone) was tugging at me, too. Scriptures I would come across suddenly jumped out at me and screamed, "Do it! Everything will be OK." Discussions in my small group gave me examples of others who had listened and obeyed. I even got signals from situations at work that seemed to push me in that new direction.

As I continued to think and pray on it, I began to realize that it wasn't just me that was wanting this, it was God wanting this, too. So, feeling completely at peace with the decision (yet having no idea what would be in store for our future) I resigned from my job.

I wish I could say that Ben felt at peace about this decision, too, but he didn't. He was nervous and kept wanting us to make a "back-up plan, just in case." The amazing thing, though, is that even though he didn't feel the peace and comfort, he trusted mine. Because of his trust in my faith, he supported my decision completely. What a great hubby!

Anyway, here's the cool part: On the very day that I quit my job, Ben's boss told him, "We're going to make some changes that are going to benefit us both." We didn't know what that meant exactly, but we were optimistic. Then, the following week we found out ... Ben was going to be gaining another subdivision! Having two neighborhoods means more homes that he can build! His hard work and God's perfect timing - what a great combination.

Well, here's the even cooler part: After a few weeks of building in both neighborhoods, Ben mentioned to me, "You know, if I continue to average 4 houses a month, then I will make about '$XX,000' extra this year." Why is this cool? Because that is almost exactly what my salary was!!!!!

We had been waiting for almost two years for Ben to get a raise, get a better neighborhood, make more money, etc. and yet it didn't happen until we stepped out in faith. Then, almost immediately, God rewarded us.

Now for what I think is the coolest part of the whole story: A week or two ago, I overheard Ben telling someone about how his business had been picking up and things were going well. And he told that person, "Yeah, God is good." Ben may not have experienced the faith and peace as early as I did, but he sure does have it now!

Ella Walks!!

Finally, Ella took her first steps this evening!!!


She has been standing on her own for several days, with her feet planted firmly and stubbornly to the ground. She just didn't quite know how to move forward.

Today, for some reason, she decided to go for it!! (Hmmm, I wonder if it could have something to do with the fact that her big sister is out of town for the weekend? No one there to "help" ... I use that term very loosely ... her?)

Whatever the reason, she did it! I wish everyone who loves her could have been there to see it and cheer her on, because she was just so excited and proud of herself. Life will never be the same for her.

Rainy Day Fun

We had a wonderful summer rain the other day ... Hallelujah! It was so enticing that Avery decided we should go outside and play in it. (Please excuse the topless look. We could only find half of her bikini! When you have a 4 year old that helps put away her own clothes, sometimes you never know where things will end up!)

After all that jumping and playing, the girls were worn out. It's very rare to see them both this still and cuddly together!