Thursday, July 31, 2008

Moving Along

Still no news about the job search. It will still be a little before we hear anything with the Norfolk job and we haven't heard back from Jon's Dad about the tax assessor job. We are still searching the horticultural websites for something that looks interesting and is either in the midwest or on the east coast. No luck just yet. If we wanted to move to California or Washington we would be golden! However, I don't want to raise my children in California and both states are EXTREMELY expensive. We will just have to wait an see.

On another note, I got a raise at work! Hahah...minimum wage went up in Indiana, so now I make more. It sucks making minimum wage. I am totally wasting my Calvin degree, but it works for now. When we move, I'll try to find something again that suits my degree or at least pays me what I am worth.

Jon and I are still working away on getting things ready to put our house on the market by the first of Sept. I can't wait to get it on the market and I can't wait to have it sold. That will take a HUGE weight off our shoulders. However, I'm not excited to pack up our entire house again. I'm ready to just be settled already!!!

Well that is all for now. Thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Stresses of Life

So I realized last night just how stressed I am about Jon's job and the whole situation.

A friend of ours from the church we are attending came into the store last night and we chatted while I checked him out. We haven't seen each other for probably a month due to work, vacation, etc. He asked how we are doing and I told him briefly our situation. It was after he left that I realized I wanted to cry.

As much as I hate to admit it, being the strong one and organized one in this whole mess is harder than I realized. I hate that Jon is treated so poorly and I hate that his self esteem is so low. I worry about him when he goes to work and I worry whether today will be the day that he comes home to tell me he quit or was fired. I am also the one that does most of the job looking for him and it's very frustrating when the jobs that are available are in places like California, Washington, Oregon and Texas. I know that God's timing is perfect, but it's hard to wait.

Along with stressing about finding him a job, I am stressing about trying to get projects finished around the house so we can at least put the house on the market. Things never seem to get accomplished fast enough which is my fault and Jon's. We need to make a time line for ourselves, but we haven't had time. I feel like once the house is on the market a lot of weight will be lifted from my shoulders.

Please continue to pray for us. Pray that Jon finds the right job for him where he will be respected and given great opportunities to succeed. Pray that we finish up our projects in a timely manner and can list the house as soon as possible. Pray that we will hear back from the job in VA and it not be like the other jobs where the guys never called to tell us either way. Pray that where ever we end up that I find a job that I enjoy and pays me reasonably well.

Thank you all for the prayers so far. If Jon and I can pray for you and your family and friends in any way, please let us know!

Remember, it's all in God's timing and His timing is always perfect.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Vacation and A Job Interview

Now that I am no longer exhausted from traveling, I can write a decent post about our vacation.

We had a great time. We throughly enjoyed being able to relax, enjoy the warm weather and enjoy family we haven't seen in over a year. The place in Maryland was nice. We didn't have beach on the bay which was sad, but we could see the bay. The complex was located in the middle of no where surrounded by marsh. It was very nice. We hung around the pool mostly and got some sun. Everyone had a night to cook dinner so we ate extremely well.

On Tuesday we went to Norfolk, VA for Jon's job interview. Norfolk is a really nice town. I could move there in a heart beat!! Jon's interview went well and we hope to hear from the guy either way. It will probably be a few weeks before we hear anything though.

We did figure out that we are going to move no matter what. We are going to finish up the last of the projects around the house and then put it on the market. We figure it will be a while before it sells, but if it sells before Jon has found a job, we are moving to Pittsburgh to live with my parents until something comes a long. That way we are rid of the house and can save some money. Plus, Pittsburgh is just a better starting point for us. We can't wait to settle down and stop moving, but Jon need to find a job that is just right for him.

I will keep you all posted on what happens. Please pray for the job in Norfolk, it would be a great job for Jon and my chances of finding a job in that area are much better than here. Thank You!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

We're Back!

I thought I would write a quick note letting you all know we are finally back in town. However, I'm exhausted, so I'll write more about our trip tomorrow!!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Bye!

And we are off for our much needed vacation!! Talk to you all soon!! =)

Saturday, July 5, 2008

All in God's Timing

Jon and I have always known that God is in charge of our lives. Sometimes we don't understand just why God has put us in certain situations, but we always figure that He knows what is best for us and that we have to learn from each experience.

Our move to DeMotte/Wheatfield was definitely God's plan for us back in January. Everything with the move seemed to fall into place, we met some wonderful people and found a wonderful church. Jon had found a great job and I found a fun job a month ago.

As of yesterday, things have changed. We are not sure things are going to work out here. Jon's job is not going well. He has put in 200% into that job and it never seems to be enough for his boss. He runs him down on a consistent basis and Jon and I never have time to ourselves because of his bosses OCD about things at the greenhouse. I've told Jon repeatedly that his boss is not going to ruin our marriage like he ruined his own!! I realize that is a harsh thing to say, but it's true. Jon and I care too much for one another to let a job ruin what we have together. Jon and I both agree that the job comes third in our lives.


So after much frustration by Jon and stressing by me, we have decided that it is time for Jon to look for a new job. Mind you, this decision did not come easily for us. We aren't exactly excited to move again and lose money on a house again, but we feel this is what we need to do for our family unless some major miracle happens with Jon's boss and things change in the next months. I would like to say they will, but us, family, and friends have been praying for the situation and nothing has changed. I'm not saying God isn't listening, I know he is, but I think he has bigger and better plans for us and that this stop in Indiana was just a stepping stone leading us to something else.

This stop in Indiana has been a blessing for both of us. For Jon, he now has great experience growing annuals. This will only add to is knowledge and make him a much more flexible grower. Jon has realized that not living near your family is not the end of the world. They still visit and will visit no matter where we are. He has learned that our family, him and me, come first and that we must do what is best for our future, not what keeps us close to his family. It's nice to be near family, but that doesn't pay the bills and Jon has a VERY specific degree, so we must go where the jobs are if we want to make some money so we can start a family. Jon has also become much more independent since we have been on our own and I couldn't be prouder of him.

I had a more difficult time when we moved here. I had to get used to small town living. It was definitely a culture shock. I have adjusted mostly. I still miss "city" life. Now that I have a job, I'm happier. I can get out of the house for a little and I'm not stressing so much over money. This move has drawn Jon and I much closer and I have a greater appreciation for all that he does. I've also learned through this move to give all my worries and stresses up to God and then to stop worrying and stressing that He will take care of what we need.

It wasn't until a few days ago that I finally understood why I haven't gotten pregnant yet. It's not because we can't...at least I'm pretty sure that's not it...it's because the timing is all wrong. God knows we want a baby, but He also knew we would probably be moving again. Not the best idea to be pregnant and stressed or have a newborn and be moving. God's timing is so good even if we don't understand right way.

Well, with that said, I must end this post as I have things to accomplish. We go on vacation in exactly a week and we both are thrilled to get away for a while and see my family. I will definitely keep everyone posted on what is occurring with the job situation and potential move. Please keep Jon and I in your prayers as we make some big decisions about our future and deal with the stress of being home owners and being stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. We love you all. Thank you!


Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Weekend Fun

I had an awesome birthday with my hubby, brother and sis-in-law! I haven't laughed so hard in who knows how long!! We had a blast hanging out and playing games. I can't wait to see Dave and Kelly in a week on vacation!!

However, all great things must come to an end. Dave and Kelly left Monday morning and Jon and I returned to work. BLAH! Okay, work for me isn't that bad. I enjoy it. Jon on the other hand..well, I'm not going there. But I'm frustrated with the situation, I'll say that much.

We have no plans for the 4th which is fine by us! We are just looking forward to being together and making sure our dumb neighbors don't burn our house down with fireworks. (This will be the first year we are in a state where they are legal....a little nervous about that.)

Well that's about all. Catch ya later! Thanks for visiting!! =)