Brinley 8 Months

Brin is getting so big so fast! She is currently cutting her back teeth so she is back to drooling with a runny nose... good times. She is almost crawling and almost walking, not sure which one she will actually do first! She is saying Hi, Mama, "issy" for Sissy and Dada. She is a wonderful baby and doing Cry it Out worked wonders for us!

Brinley 7 months

Christmas

Christmas was wonderful this year. The kids all had a fabulous time with family, friends, church and presents. It is one of my favorite times of the year, the smells, sights and smiles warm my heart no matter what else is going on in life. Despite times being tough the kids had more than enough and hopefully are starting to learn that there is more to Christmas than opening presents. Jocelyn really got excited this year about buying an Angel Tree gift and was really disappointed that she couldn't deliver it herself. Brinley of course didn't really understand what was going on but she was a trooper with the late nights, and groups of people.

I am reminded all the time of how much I am blessed. Bring on the New Year!

Good news!

Matt was offered a job Friday with Conely Corp. as their warehouse manager. He is excited and thinks this will be a good fit for him. I am so happy that he found something that he will like and we are both definitely breathing a sigh of relief. I can't thank all our friends and family enough for all the support and helping hands. I love you all.

Brinley 6 Months

Height 28" - 98%

Weight 18 lb. - 86%

Head 17" - 72%

Doctor's comment "She will be statuesque but not amazonian." Hmmm....

I have not posted in a while because I have not had many positive things to say.

Our family is in a financial crises right now like so many other Americans.

We have had tough times before and have always been able to work multiple jobs to make ends meet and occasionally get ahead. We have not always had a lot, but we have always had enough. It is embarrassing to be in a situation like we are now. Our income is zero. Matt and I have both been applying for jobs daily but we are of course competing with the thousands of others who are out of work. Matt did get a part time job at the U that will start in the next couple of weeks, not much but something. If it were not for our amazing family, friends and church I am not sure how we would be surviving at all. This has truly been a humbling experience and we are so grateful for all the help and support that we have received. Times like these definitely make you count your blessings and although we don't have any money, we do have our health and a house full of love and laughter.

I debated posting about our situation and finally decided that putting it in writing might help me let go of some of the fear and shame that I have been feeling, plus according to the news we are definitely not the only ones experiencing this. Hopefully my next post will be full of good news, for now we appreciate all the prayers and positive thoughts we can get.

Brinley 5 Months

It is getting harder to get a picture of her holding still! :)