The Year In Review......

When we started 2009, our family was starting to experience some positive changes. DH was having some success in changing careers and it looked as if that particular battle was going to be over for us. Then 2 months later, he was at home looking for a job again. This has lasted for the past 10 months. The challenge has been harder than ever, I don't know if it is due to the fact that we seemed to be getting beyond this phase in our life or because this is the longest that we have been in this situation with no solution in sight. Whatever the reason, it has been a real struggle. But, through all of this struggle, we have learned so much about ourselves and the faithfulness of the Lord.

We have learned that we can do without much of what we considered essential in the past. We no longer eat meals away from home, but I have discovered that I enjoy cooking for my family more than ever. In doing so, the way that we obtain our food has also changed. We shop for the best price, buy in bulk, planted a garden and canned some of our harvest. My family prefers to eat my cooking than restaurant meals. We bake our own bread and baked goodies, so we but flour and sugar in 25 lb. quantities. We purchase our meat in 20+ lb. quantities to obtain the best possible price. In fact, any non-perishable is purchased in large quantity. This may mean that we are eating ziti pasta for everthing that requires pasta, but so be it. There is an absence of convenience foods in our pantry and I have discovered that I like it that way. For the first time, I know all of the ingredients that are in the food that I now prepare.

We are now homeschooling DD. The internet has had a wealth of information and help with developing a curriculum for her. Our goal is to purchase a curriculum, but until then, she is studying for free from internet resources and is flourishing. I was amazed at what was available at no cost online. Full curriculum outlines from public and private schools, so we are able to draw from that free information and teach her accordingly. Our math, english, spelling, science and bible are from sites with free full year long lessons along with textbook, worksheets, tests and teacher/answer guides. Literature is based on recommended reading for 7th graders from the library and schools. I found lesson plans online for each book that she is reading with complete worksheets, discussion questions, projects and tests. The only area that I would like to change is getting involved in a homeschool group and to return to dance lessons. The dance lessons will require a change in the finances though. So, it will wait until a change occurs.

I am still working outside of the home. This has been my biggest struggle. I returned to work to finance dance expenses for DD. I was to work part time and it has grown to a full time position with overtime over the past year. My heart's desire is to run a business from home that will allow me to homeschool and teach homemaking to DD. Working outside of the home while DH is laidoff has caused me to really reflect on what the Bible says about womanhood and a wife's calling. I know that I am called to be a helpmeet to my husband and that he is the spiritual head of our home. I have found the conflict in having to work for someone else and having to consider what work is asking of me over what DH wants me to do, like mandatory overtime. He doesn't like that I have to be gone 6 days a week, but I am required to do so because I have to work and this job has been a lifesource for us. I have come to the realization that this is the Lord's job and I will work until I am moved elsewhere.

We have joined a church after attending for about a year. DH has jumped in with both feet and DD is enjoying the youth group. I haven't participated in any of the ladie's activities yet, but that is subject to change on Friday......

I can say that we have been SO blessed through all of this. We have grown closer as a family and have come to the knowledge that even as it has gotten worse financially, it has gotten better in God. I ask that you pray for us during this season. Our family is highly aware that this is a time that we are to reflect on our Saviour and His sacrifices and gifts to us. That is and will be our focus during CHRISTmas. There won't be presents under our tree this year, but the gifts that we have been given this year are so much more than we could have asked for.