Rough few days

Wow, as I sit down tonight to write this post I have to admit it’s not one I figured I’d write.

When Joel got offered the chance to switch to 3rd shift I thought it would be great for our family. Amazing in fact. He would be gone while we slept, and there when we all woke up. He can run on little sleep most of the time and so I knew we’d have him in full swing participating with us by lunch.

It’s true that he’s run on little sleep the past 4 days. But I’m totally worried about him. Constantly. Worried that he’ll be to tired to do his work and get hurt. Worried he’ll be too tired to drive home and fall asleep at the wheel. Worried the kids won’t be quiet enough for him to get some sleep. Just plain worried.

He’s been a real trooper. The kids have been not too bad good for the most part.

Me, well I’m doing okay. I feel horrible most of the time because I’m not letting him get enough sleep. And to say this is easy, would be a lie. I’m not used to having my husband home all day. Every day (normally) I look forward to 2:30. I then have a purpose to get stuff done, and have the house in order. The kids and I are used to having our days, and having daddy get home at 2:30. I forget that he’s here. I forget that I need to check with him before we make any plans.

We’ve been fighting quite a bit this week. It’s been tough on our marriage to say the least. This has tested us.

In the last 4 days I’ve realized this is NOT a blessing. This is NOT something I want full time. I want to have something to look forward to every day.

As I was writing up this post Joel text me. After a bit of confusion on my part I called him. I was blessed to find out that starting Monday he’ll be back on regular hours. I’m THANKFUL! Not only for the fact that we’ll have our routine back, but thankful because earlier tonight my dad informed me of his hours for the next few weeks. You see, my dad works at the same factory Joel does. My dad’s last day of work will be the 1st of July until the 14th of July when he returns.

I’m saying extra prayers tonight, and thanking God that he is looking out for us. He realized I couldn’t do this another week but at the same time he realized we couldn’t do this another week. Financially and martially.

Little bits of random

So since I'm not really totally in charge of my new blog look, I've had to do something to keep busy. It's driving me nuts that I don't have a full new look, but I will get over it. When I get my bloggerroo done I'm going to be pleased...I just know I will....for a few weeks any how! You see I know I shouldn't worry about what the design is, as long as I have readers. But what good are readers if you don't fill their minds with something to read!

I've been a slacker, I know that. I apologize. To the readers that check in on us daily and I have nothing for you. To the readers that have nothing to read and only come here and I let them down. To those of you who just come to pass time. And to those of you who know us the best and want to somehow know more! I apologize. I'm sorry I have let you down, I'm sorry I have gave you nothing to fill your thoughts, I'm sorry I haven't updated you on what we're doing.

This is my vow to you. I will try harder, I will love harder, I will blog more. I will be a better person not only to my family but to total strangers. I will post a picture with every blog no matter what the subject.

In this economy I realize times are hard, but it finally hit me the other day. Joel changed jobs back in July and at the time it wasn't a big deal. We had family tell us it was a mistake, we had friends as if it was really okay. Sure the insurance sucked and the pay was a little less, but it was doing something he loved and that's what mattered. We've joked amongst ourselves since then that it was for the best and I've heard "I'm glad I don't work there" a ton of times since then. I've never really felt either way about it.

Joel was working the same place that my dad works, and has for over 20 years, making mufflers for cars and trucks. It hit me hard how bad the economy is a few days ago. I finally had the same feelings as Joel has voiced over and over again since August. My dad has been cut back to 35 hour work weeks from now until who knows when. Thank goodness he has his benefits, but I don't know how they'll do it with 5 hours less a week. My youngest sister is a senior this year and so there are plenty of expenses that come along with it.

If you could just say a little prayer I'd appreciate it. Not only for my dad, but for two of Joel's uncles that have had some devastating news this week. I'm not going to talk about that today, I got some bad news last night and haven't spoken with Joel too much about it. We just need you to pray that everything works out and for God to help in every way possible. Because through him all things are good.

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And since I'm vowing to post a picture with every blog here we go!

MacKenzie had Jackson,our dog, and asked me to take a picture!