I tend to be pretty rosy on this here little blog of mine. I am in love with my kids, I am obsessed with
And while that's true, there are other truths as well. Truths I can't leave out because I want this blog to be my whole life. The good, the bad, the scary and everything in between. This is my life journal and I don't want my kids to go through trials later in life and after reading over their childhood, our life, to feel that their parents can't relate. That we never went through hard times.
The old me would have waited until Glenn landed the perfect job and then spread the news. The new me realizes that's unfair. To myself, my kids and anyone reading my story.
Since September when Cisco had their huge layoffs, Glenn has kept busy doing concrete sales. That has ended and lucky for us we are in the midst of Tax Season so Glenn will be busy once again preparing taxes. He has things in the works as far as a job but nothing solid yet.
We are living off our severance package, some money from concrete jobs, Tax Return Jobs, our own Tax Refund, and pretty much just living frugally.
The old Marie would have been a constant stress case freaking out everyday and tossing and turning at night.
The new Marie is relying on faith that everything will work out as it should. Glenn & I (mostly Glenn) are smart and hardworking. We are doing what is right. We are prepared and putting ourselves out there for any opportunity that comes our way. We are raising righteous children.
I still make time to let my kids know how much I care. Chocolate always seems to do the trick.
Take them to the park and let them explore.
Love watching Brutus soak in the sun.
Take Ethan to baseball practice and feel that of course he's a star in the making.
Make granola.
And watch my kids soar.
We're happy and healthy & life is being completely enjoyed by us all. I am a lot more tired than I was at 20, but I am also a lot smarter. Smart enough to know that we'll be fine. All that is really important to me in this life is my family. And they're not going anywhere.
I am a child of God. I know Him and I most definitely know that He knows me. He has a plan for us. Bigger and better than anything we could have planned for ourselves. Our part is to keep on working hard and doing what's right and he will meet us there.
I know this because I feel it in my bones and in my heart.
And that's the truth.
I didn't realize what was going on workwise with Glenn, but it sounds like you have the right attitude and a wonderful husband! Someone like him, who is hardworking (and smart because look, he picked you so he's gotta be!) will always have opportunities knocking. I'm 100% certain he is benefitting from your support and knowing that everything at home is under control. You're an amazing mother, wife and of course friend, daughter and everything else!
ReplyDeletePS LOVE all the photos as usual! You have such a beautiful family.
I agree, Glenn is so dedicated, smart and truly likable, something is bound to work out. I've heard the term "let go and let God" but only now really know what it means. You can only do so much, you really have to humble yourself and trust that God knows what you need and do the work to be prepared and ready for what comes your way.
DeleteIsn't Ethan just adorable in that top photo? Such a darling boy.
Oh I love you Marie. Your words give me hope. Life isn't rosy all the time that's for sure. But, what's great is that even though you're in the midst of transition the whole truth is that things are still great, as you've shared here. Good for you. I'm so glad you're all doing so well. Love you,
ReplyDeleteShauna
I was just thinking that you would be guest posting sooner or later and I'm not surprised it's sooner...can't wait. S
It would be disingenuous to pretend my life is sunny all the time, you know it's not. Life can be messy and scary and beautiful all wrapped into one. Makes for a richer more interesting journey.
DeleteYes, Marie true. Right now I'm having a hard time with one of the kids in particular. It's hard to have trials. But, I can say that during these struggles I pray more, I read the scriptures more I grasp at anything to have his hand in my life to help me and to help, well this particular child right now. The irony is that I am most certain in the end we will appreciate the hardest times in our lives because they will be the times we were closest to Heavenly Father. You really are great, thinking about how wonderful you are brings tears. Woman need each other-you're a great example. I'm so glad all of these women get to know you and connect with you. Love you always,
DeleteShauna
I wanted to respond to your question here in case you don't go back to my blog to see replies:) You are a Blogger blogger. Blogger is the Google hosted platform. I can tell this from the little "B" that shows up by your URL and from the template information at the bottom of the page. The other popular platform is Wordpress. I'm on there.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't presume to know what you are going through right now but can share that over 6 years ago my husband lost his job. I thought I was handling it pretty well and then I had a major meltdown in my doctor's office when they had messed up my appointment. Actually, for me, it was a pretty stressful period because he decided to start a business, which he never did actually, instead of rejoining corporate America. As for him, I am sure he was horrible stressed too but would now tell you it was one of the best things that could have happened to him.
Thanks for the info. I would have gone back because I need as much help with technology as I can get. I am so thankful for learning from everyone else.
DeleteI already feel that it was good, this new direction, it's just a little scary for the time being. I am glad your husband is happy with his new path, that's great.
Brutus is so regal. I know ya'll will make it!
ReplyDeleteHaha, he totally is, and thank you.
DeleteYou sum it up best in your last paragraph. I love your words here:
ReplyDelete"I am a child of God. I know Him and I most definitely know that He knows me. He has a plan for us. Bigger and better than anything we could have planned for ourselves. Our part is to keep on working hard and doing what's right and he will meet us there."
This is so true. God takes us through highs and lows and a lot of the time we don't understand and cannot see when the next high will come our way. But what is so neat is that HE loves us, wants the best for us b/c we are HIS CHILDREN, and in the end we know His plan is perfect. That is what keeps me going through times of waiting, perseverance and/or lack of understanding.
Keep looking up! Glen's time is coming!
Exactly Brittnie, I know he is thinking of my family, so I know it will all work out.
DeleteI love real life. Good for you for documenting it. We are not all sunshine and roses. Though I find that writing about the shadows and hardships helps me see the sunshine. It WILL all work out, because it always does. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. If things were great all the time we wouldn't be able to appreciate it as much. The ying and yang of life make it truly memorable.
DeleteThanks for sharing the realities of life, and how your faith and family keep you calm when you don't feel you can be. I pray he finds a job he loves soon. I admire your upbeat attitude!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Diane, prayers would be great!
DeleteEveryone goes through tough times and it's how you handle them that shows the kind of person you are. I think I've come to know that you're pretty strong. I believe it comes from how your parents raised you and your brothers and sisters. Although my family is much smaller, I feel my sister and I were raised the same way. Stay close and help each other but be strong as an individual. You 3 little ones are so lucky to have a Mom like you, Marie. I'm happy to know you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Fran, I am a work in progress but there's no use being down and out and stressed out and a grumpy mom. I have more and more faith everyday.
DeleteKnowing we are God's children and under his watchful care is so very comforting. You have a wonderful, inspiring faith.
ReplyDeletePS. Is that chocolate bar a Symphony bar? That's my absolute favorite chocolate bar EVER!
Thank you. And why yes it is a Symphony bar, I knew a true affecianado would be able to tell what it was. One day after school they all came home to them on their bed. Sometimes I can be nice and thoughtful like that.
DeleteIt sounds like you have your focus in the right place! That's wonderful! :) Good luck with the job hunting (for Glenn) and I'm sure things will work out soon!
ReplyDeleteI keep refocusing but I know things will all work out too.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that your family has been affected by lay-offs. Your attitude is so incredibly inspiring though. The faith you have and the positive attitude you are trying to keep up will pull you through this time. I'll be praying a good opportunity comes Glenn's way!
ReplyDeleteI love what you said at the beginning about your kids not being to relate because they weren't able to see you'd gone through hard times. I completely agree with this. Kids need to see that life isn't always perfect and they need to see you handle it, so that when the same thing happens to them, they won't be blindsided. Otherwise they'll be completely unprepared to enter the real world which will, most certainly, bite them in the butt at some point or another. ;o)
What I wouldn't give to read about my mom's struggles when she had young kids. We talk but it's not too deep, plus her memory has faded. I don't want to worry my kids now, but in the future they will have all of this to read if they want to, and I hope they love it and also can learn from it.
DeleteMarie-Keeping the positive attitude and your eyes open to whatever God may give you has got to be the better way to go then stressing out to the max. My heart felt sympathies for the situation, but I know that you and your beautiful family will pull through.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to tomorrow's Valentine's Day post...such a wonderful day to share your love with everyone.
Thanks Rachel and you're exactly right, why kill myself over stressing when what will be will be. We just have to keep on working hard and after that, put our faith in God.
DeleteI used to majorly stress out and it wasn't good for anyone.
Marie this is such a great heartfelt post! What a blessing that Glenn is so talented and has been able to continue to provide for your sweet family. I love that you are faithful and know things will work out, and even better that you are at peace with it. I've been talking to some friends and repeatedly it comes up how important a good attitude is since 'it is what it is' and so often we can't change what is surrounding us...we can only change ourselves. And I agree with you that if we do all we can God will meet us the rest of the way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here!
ReplyDeleteAn attitude of Gratitude will get you far. I am liking the new me, I am at peace because we are prepared, what else can we do? So looking forward to the changes in your life, so exciting!
DeleteI've been forced to live very minimally for the past year, and it is so stressful to wonder if bills will get paid on time. But, like you, I firmly believe everything works out in the end. It's so hard to remember that in the moment, though.
ReplyDeleteLuckily I know how to live frugally, it can be hard but it's what we gotta do. Humility can be a great thing.
DeleteI've always told my husband that I'd be happy living in a cardboard box with him, because that's all that matters. Yes, I still wish I could go back to our old life of going out to fancy dinners, etc. But this past year with all his health scares, unemployment, etc., its not in the cards.
ReplyDeleteNo matter - I still have food to cook, can still be Bizzy in My Kitchen, and know that it will all work out in the end. :D
Amen! When you focus on what is truly important it makes your attitude with your struggles much easier.
DeleteI love your perspective. It's a crazy economy right now, but your attitude will serve you and your family well! I find that, in retrospect, the scary times like this often yield the greatest opportunities...
ReplyDeleteI agree. We were comfortable but Glenn was very unfulfilled. It's hard to leave a good job though, so this was a good push.
DeleteMarie you have a beautiful testimony! Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Theses are hard times, were trying to meet ends meet where we can, and its not easy sometimes. As you and your family, we too try to rely on faith, that everything will be OK. Family doesn't go anywhere, isn't that a good feeling? What a good, honest post, your wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and I know I am not alone. My kids couldn't run away if they tried. I hope they don't try.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your husband losing his job, but it sounds like you both are handling it wonderfully. You're so positive and that makes a huge difference in how you live your life!
ReplyDeleteIt really does. Sometimes it is just a matter of attitude.
DeleteI loved the last few lines of this post- they brought tears to my eyes. I know it in my bones and in my heart too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am glad it struck a chord.
Deletei love. i love. such an amazing post. have a happy v day!
ReplyDeletexo
purposelyathome.blogspot.com
Thank you, your positive posts always make my day.
DeleteSuch an honest and raw post, thank you! I think you have an amazing attitude and you are such a great mom to just keep loving on your kids and letting them have a good time, even when life gets tough for the adults. God bless!
ReplyDeleteYou can't quit life right? There is so much joy to be had, and kids have such a wonderful spirit about them, it's contagious.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about the job struggles but you have an excellent attitude and you are living your life the way you should be. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI find inspiration through so many blogs, like yours, where women just put it all out there. It makes me not feel so alone when I know we're all in this together.
DeleteIt's refreshing to see such an honest post. It's easy to forget that behind all the prettiness in blogland is real life (and it ain't always pretty). God is faithful and He will see you thru this difficult but precious time.
ReplyDeleteA reader was saying how lovely she thought my blog was. Such a compliment but at the same time I want to show all sides. It wouldn't be my life if it was always easy and good. The hard times make the good times that much sweeter.
DeleteI SO think that honesty on this order is refreshing. Is it hard to write? Yes. Is it hard to read? Yes. But I think that's what makes the community of women who blog so strong - we're able to tell one another that no one is truly Alone. We're able to reframe what real happiness and real contentment look like. May you and yours have a Valentine's Day full of love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a thoughtful comment. I couldn't have said it better myself.
DeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteyou are so sweet! love this post friend. you are a strong faith filled women! xo
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing Marie. You're a strong woman!
ReplyDeleteOh how true! That He has a plan! And is able to do more than we can ask or imagine!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it seem like these times of lean can really teach us gratitude and focus us on our *people*, rather than our provisions? What a beautiful thing that you are modeling for your children!
Focus definitely gets shifted and it can be wonderful.
DeleteYour faith encourages me SO MUCH. I love the little chocolate with the note. I love the trips to the park. I love your cute little dog. I love that granola always makes the world seem sweeter. I love your heart.
ReplyDeleteSoUtHeRnPiNkY.bLoGsPoT.cOm
Thank you!
Deletewas the granola hard to make?
ReplyDeleteCheck out my new giveaway
Happy Valentines Day
No granola is super easy. I don't use a recipe, just throw oats and a bunch of nuts together with honey, oil, coconut and bake.
DeleteYou have such a great attitude Marie. I have a feeling you are not alone on this one. The economy just downright sucks. But, you are still Super Mom. Hands down. Happy Valentines Day.
ReplyDeleteI know I am not alone. It is only through others inspiration that I can share my own struggles. But you know what, struggles never end, they are just in a different form and I better learn to deal with it now.
DeleteBeautiful post. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love this.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with honesty, and it sounds like this bump in the road has only made you more in love with the intangibles of your blessed life. I will be praying though that Glenn finds the right position soon. THanks for sharing, Marie!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Kate, and thank you.
DeleteI love an honest blog, I don't find them very often. I am glad you stopped by my world, and uhm.. your mormon griding your own wheat & bread etc.. so very funny. Just today I told my friend that her soon who is 3, is actually 9 in mormon years. So she is very behind on having another kid. But I'm a 27 year old single mormon, I think that makes me post menopausal, right?
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines day, I hope you're spoiled by love.
I'm so sorry that you've been dealing with this - I remember you mentioning this a while back. The economy is so terrible! I think we've all been feeling the effects for a while now.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I love the honesty. And I appreciate it. And I'm thinking of you and your family Marie!
I think when your kids look back on this blog...all they will see is a family of love. That is what I see and I am a stranger looking in. You can see it in your words, in the photos that you take, your faith and your oh so yummy food chosen with their taste buds in mind. Keep loving, keeping believing and you are right...everything will be just fine.
ReplyDeleteooh you made homemade granola!! it looks great and i love the addition of almonds, one of my favorite nuts. hope you have a great friday marie!
ReplyDeleteLove the honesty. You would never know that times have been tough for you. Keep your head up : ) Love this line, "I'm a lot more tired than I was at 20, but also a lot smarter" - amen to that.
ReplyDeleteI am sure everything will be alright. A few years back, my hubby and I were in a similar situation and we know how hard it can be. The only difference there was, was we didn't have Mimi so it was simpler considering your case with children. I hope and wish the best for you and your family. I am sure it will all sort itself out, like it does always.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I'm still in love with your guest post! Thank you so much for putting that together for me. And, oh, for a post about life's challenges, you still have such a positive attitude. Which is the way to do it! Things get hard, but you don't have to make them harder with stress, negativity and fear. As always, hoping for the best for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYour positive attitude and unwavering faith under these circumstances are an inspiration to me Marie. In my own search for employment I have been very discouraged and now feeling somewhat desperate.
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me that as a child of God, he will provide for James and I, and things will work out the way that they should.
I really did not plan on getting involved with your blog, but I was lured in by your Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, or was it the White Chocolate Caramel Corn. Whatever, either one was so tempting I had to have the recipes. Of course I can never make them unless I have someone to give them to!
I will pray that Glenn is able to find the perfect job soon.
Judy Kozeluh, (Shauna's mom)