Wednesday, February 20, 2008

So I've been MIA a little bit...

Well, my blog hasn't changed since the middle of December, so I'll start by updating on the blue lights... They are GONE! Hallelujah! In fact, we've seen very little of those "neighbors." We do have new spy targets though, and I'll update on that in the near future!

2008 has come in and kind of blown me away. I've had so many things to blog about, but neither the time or creative energy to do so. We ended our old year and began our new year with a Dean/Meek/Crawford beach trip. It was so nice and relaxing and good to be together. And Savannah got plenty of attention with 6 people who are in love with her. She is now 3 months old, smiles all the time, has found her feet, and gets cuter every day. She's pretty much awesome!
When we got back home, we were faced with a shocking truth. We had known that the homebuilding industry had been struggling across the country, but we didn't realize how hard it was hitting Patrick's company. On January 2nd, he found out that he would only have a job for 3 more weeks. Of course that sent us into a tailspin--1, because he truly, for the first time in a long time, LOVED his job; and 2, because he was doing really well and getting really good feedback. The company let all of their employees go. Almost immediately we began hearing of other larger companies who had let go hundreds of employess. Patrick impressed me so much with his aggressive discipline in pursuing every lead possible--knowing that there was competition around every corner. The Lord really brought us closer during this time as well. We had lots of important discussions about life, us, jobs, the Lord, our purposes, goals, and dreams. We really learned even more about each other and connected in some cool ways. By the end of the 3 weeks, Patrick found a great job with lots of promise and opportunity, and we cannot thank God enough for his faithfulness, perfect timing, and provisions.
We are becoming more involved in our church, and we are taking the "starting point" class which will be the last step before placing membership which we plan to do in March. God has continued to provide refreshment and healing through this time.

We have redone our recroom with furniture, pictures, electronics, and accessories, and it has become our favorite place to vegg out. I should post pictures, but I'd actually have to take pictures to do that. So, I'll just hope that some of you will come visit me soon and see for yourselves. :)

Kelly Gill McCasland is finally back from Japan! Woo Hoo! She and her husband pulled off an amazing Christmas surprise story, and you can read about it on her blog--listed in my links! She came over for lunch one day, and then a bunch of our closest high school girlfriends got together for a day in downtown Franklin. I love my friends, and it is so good to have her back in not only the same continent and country, but the same region--yet another reason why I love being back in middle Tennessee.

We spent a great MLK weekend with our close, dear friends-who-are-family, Kevin and Britani. Maggie Moo enjoyed the weekend too with their chihuahuas, Fifi and Hector--they are the BEST of friends.

I have really gotten more into my job and am developing fun relationships with both my students and co-workers. I don't know if my expectations have lowered or if I have just allowed myself to "buy into" it more, but I am much more fulfilled in my job.

And lastly, I have a new literary obsession!!! My female students have all been reading this YA series by Stephenie Meyer. It's called the Twilight series, and it is about teenagers, relationships...and vampires and wherewolves. It is not at all cheesy though, and it is really well-written. I FLEW through them. Patrick was so ready for me to be done because there was no clean laundry, no food in the house, and no conversation. :) Go to her website to check them out--it is soooo worth it!

10 comments:

Tiffany Norris said...

Glad things are going well for y'all and you figured out the links! (I'm not sure on the header.) That is an amazing story about God's provision with your husband's job--He is good.
Also, thanks for the Twilight rec. I've seen them and heard good things, but now I know to definitely put them on the to-be-read list.

brooke said...

I love reading about all the things going in your life. I'm glad that Patrick got a new job. There sure can be curve balls thrown in life and it sounds like ya'll handled it very well. I'm sure you are the best teacher ever!

Anonymous said...

I love your new blog design and your post was great! I was so encouraged by the way both you and Patrick handled everything. Have I told you lately how glad I am that you are in TN? Thanks also for the Savannah shout out! She told me just now how much she wants to see her Aunt Kristy. We are looking forward to this weekend!

Love,
Linds

Anonymous said...

this is such a good blog. i love all the updates. you're so precious! thank you for your comment on my blog. i love you!

Amy Lauren said...

HEY!!! Just go to customize at the top of your blog after you sign in and then go to header and then where it says image just download what ever picture you want its really easy and if it doesnt make since i will be happy to talk you through it.
So glad that you guys are going to church with us and we get to see you so often!
~Amy

L said...

it's so good to hear an update on here. :) and i must say...i love the picture of you and patrick you put on the side...so cute!!! love you!

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

so glad things worked out job wise. you have been so busy! glad kevin and britani got to visit. don't have time to write much but glad you are well...and congrats on that rec room redo..i know you've been wanting to do that since you moved in! yay!

RJTrue said...

You're back ...

And you're amazing!

Katie said...

Hey Kristy! I have finally come out of hiding. I am so glad that everything worked out so well with Patrick's job. I am also so happy that you are enjoying your job and your house. It sounds like you are both really enjoying being in Nashville! Also, that is such a good picture of you two! Hope to see you soon.

Kristy said...

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I didn't want to be too over-the-top in announcing news, but I did add a Lily Pie chart on the right. Patrick and I are having a baby at the end of September!!! We are so excited and would appreciate any prayers you would send our way!!!