Homemaker

The cake was a gift from the Richters, we celebrated with them when Nate got his job, so we thought it fitting to "celebrate" with them when I lost mine:)

Wow, where to begin? On Wednesday the 6th I became a homemaker. I think I should start a little further back though.

Since October I have been reading a blog called MoneySavingMom.com, there is so much information on that webstite! I have learned the importance of meal planning, clipping and using coupons, and many other valuable things. One of the main things I learned was how to effectively shop at Walgreens. You can actually make money buying everyday items! Well my coworkers and I thought that was a marvilous idea and went crazy at Walgreens. (If you want to know how to make money buying shampoo, toothpaste etc, visit Crystal's site: moneysavingmom.com and click on Walgreens 101) I have a stock pile of Tylenol, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Razors, Garbage Bags, Toilet Paper, Cleaning supplies, Dish Soap, Dishwasher Soap, Cereal, Deoderant, Diapers, Wipes, Baby Wash/Shampoo, Make Up etc. It has become fun to find how good of deals I can get.

Then at the beginning of Jauary our church was promoting Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and the Evangelical Covenant Church had a Saturday hosted by Crown Financial. Brandon and I decided to sign up for both. One night as we were talking I told Brandon that I believed God was going to do something with our finances because I had heard pastors preach about God speaking in threes. I had learned to shop very frugally and stock pile necessary household items, and we were going to 2 different classes on budgeting. I told him we should be prepared for what the Lord might be doing in our lives. Meanwhile I had been praying about going part time or if I should be staying home full time with Cayden.

My work had led me to believe I could go part time after the 1st of the year. I made an appointment with 2 of the owners and prayed like crazy. I fasted for the first time in my life. I didn't really know why, but I felt like I needed to fast and pray specifically for this appointment so I did. I had a few things I wanted to talk to them about-one of which was going part time. I never had a chance to ask about part time, because they walked into my office and told me they didn't have a need for my position and they were letting me go effective immediately. I was shocked-certainly not expecting that. (Ok those that know my work story are probably thinking-as busy as you were how could you not expect that-touche:)) However, I was amazed too at how God prepared me for something that would have otherwise been more devestating. So I cleaned out my desk and headed home. When I got home I told Brandon the news and then noticed my wedding ring. (Backing up a little-the night before after putting Cayden to bed in the early a.m. I hit my finger/ring in his door.) One of the small side diamonds was missing and the main diamond was severely bent. I started crying, it's one thing to lose my job another to lose the diamond from my ring! Brandon calmed me down and prayed about the job situation and the ring. As we were searching the floor by Cayden's room I prayed: "Lord the only way I will find this diamond is if you allow me to find it like you did for my mom many years ago." A little while later Brandon came out with the diamond in his hand-he found it in the shower, AFTER we both had showered! God is soo good!! I just thought Lord, thank you, I know you are telling me you are going to be with us, even in the little things.

That night was our first class for the Financial Peace University. I felt the Lord prompting me to share what He had been doing in my life so I did. Right after the class I had a girl come up to me and ask if I used to work for Wells Fargo, when I told her I did she said, " I just want you to know that you have been my inspiration at work and I know you will find another job soon. You still have customers asking for you and I know I can do my job well because of you." What another answer to prayer! I of course felt bad about being laid off and wondering if I could have done more at work or if I should have...(fill in the blank) I felt this was just another way of God letting me know it was His plan and even in His plan he would take time to calm some of my fears/concerns.

Another blessing is the Beth Moore Bible Study we are doing Monday nights at church, it is a study on the Fruit of the Spirit. This bible study has really encouraged me to keep my eyes on Christ and try my best to respond in Christ like manner. The daily/weekly lessons have really applied to what I have been dealing with each day.

Well, that is a long way of saying I now stay at home:) I have been trying to think about ways I can make money from home. One thought is cleaning houses. I think I would like to give that a try-I just have to figure out how to connect with people that not only WANT someone else to clean their house, but are willing to PAY to have someone do it:) (I mean who doesn't want someone else to do the cleaning:) ) So feel free to keep me in your prayers as I try and make some extra money, adjust to being at home full time and live on a budget:)