I had been packing and getting rid of stuff for months and once we decided where we were moving, we started applying for jobs. We had originally planned to move to Bradenton, FL where two of my brothers lived, however, with time crunching and no jobs or a home to move to, we felt that maybe it was not where God wanted us. We did seek the counsel from our pastor, and then decided to move back to my home town of Pensacola, FL. Why Florida you may ask? I was really getting a sense to be closer to my family. And Shane really wanted to be close to the beach! Shane and the family headed out a week after graduation,December 16,2011. I had planned on leaving at the end of the year but I had to fulfill my obligation to my job. You see, I had worked really hard to earn a bonus and I couldn't leave or I would forfeit the bonus and that would have been foolish! So I had the pleasure of staying with three different, wonderful friends and I left Longview on January 28,2012. Our family was separated for Christmas but I went down for the weekend of New Years. They had presents waiting for me and I took each family member out each night to spend one on one time with each of them. I really didn't have much time to miss them with wwork and all but by the time end of January came even I was missing my family( which was 6 weeks separation).
Shane and I had been job hunting the whole time and nothing has confirmed. The unfortunate realization of a Bachelor Degree in his field (psychology/counseling) is that it means nothing until you have achieved your Masters. This has been discouraging but he has started his Masters program and is a "cabbie" at night(that's the name of someone who drives a taxi cab). There are many jobs out there but because there are so many applicants as well, most applicants are sifted through with those you already have their Masters. We pray that a door will open very soon for an opportunity to get a entry position in his field. I on the other hand prayerfully decided to start my Mary Kay business. I really love teaching about skin care and hope that I can minister to women. I have to say that my true passion is in missions and if God can help me use skin care products to reach women (and men) then so be it.
During the Christmas holidays, we had contemplated where to live and I kept asking for prayer from my friends. Word got around ( at a Christmas party) and one thing led to another and we met a couple in Marshall, TX-30 minutes away from Longview who had a house they were trying to sell in Milton,FL-30 minutes away from Pensacola. How about that! We negotiated and asked if we could rent the house for a year with the option to buy. They agreed and we moved in February 1st. We LOVE the house, the neighborhood, the schools, and the town! The house was vacant for four years, so there is a lot of work to the yard. I just finished deep cleaning the inside of the house and each week I haul another truck load of debris to the landfill. I love working in the yard, its so theraputic!
Gabrielle had a hard time adjusting to school. She was about six months behind plus with her dyslexia, she struggled with all the homework. She is now doing well, the teachers are great and have been working hard to get her caught up. The state testing is over and things are much more relaxed.
Austen's Florida Virtual school has been quite challenging as well. They expect a whole lot more out of him. He grumbles and complains but He gets it done. He will be attending Avalon Middle school next year in 8th grade. We also are in the process of having him diagnosed with Aspergers. We have always known his differences like texture and temperature issues, people issues, food issues, etc. But we thought they were normal kids issues but as he has gotten older, the issues have become bigger. Asperger is under the Autism spectrum and they say no two "aspies" are alike. Austen is considered high-functioning but stresses easily with certain surroundings or situations. We face different challenges all the time but we are getting help and joined a support group. Lots of prayers are requested.
My mothers has continued to live with our cousin. They are close in age and enjoy the same things so it has worked out well. My brother Eric has moved back as well and is staying with us until an apartment comes open for he and mom to become roommates.
Shane and I had been job hunting the whole time and nothing has confirmed. The unfortunate realization of a Bachelor Degree in his field (psychology/counseling) is that it means nothing until you have achieved your Masters. This has been discouraging but he has started his Masters program and is a "cabbie" at night(that's the name of someone who drives a taxi cab). There are many jobs out there but because there are so many applicants as well, most applicants are sifted through with those you already have their Masters. We pray that a door will open very soon for an opportunity to get a entry position in his field. I on the other hand prayerfully decided to start my Mary Kay business. I really love teaching about skin care and hope that I can minister to women. I have to say that my true passion is in missions and if God can help me use skin care products to reach women (and men) then so be it.
During the Christmas holidays, we had contemplated where to live and I kept asking for prayer from my friends. Word got around ( at a Christmas party) and one thing led to another and we met a couple in Marshall, TX-30 minutes away from Longview who had a house they were trying to sell in Milton,FL-30 minutes away from Pensacola. How about that! We negotiated and asked if we could rent the house for a year with the option to buy. They agreed and we moved in February 1st. We LOVE the house, the neighborhood, the schools, and the town! The house was vacant for four years, so there is a lot of work to the yard. I just finished deep cleaning the inside of the house and each week I haul another truck load of debris to the landfill. I love working in the yard, its so theraputic!
Gabrielle had a hard time adjusting to school. She was about six months behind plus with her dyslexia, she struggled with all the homework. She is now doing well, the teachers are great and have been working hard to get her caught up. The state testing is over and things are much more relaxed.
Austen's Florida Virtual school has been quite challenging as well. They expect a whole lot more out of him. He grumbles and complains but He gets it done. He will be attending Avalon Middle school next year in 8th grade. We also are in the process of having him diagnosed with Aspergers. We have always known his differences like texture and temperature issues, people issues, food issues, etc. But we thought they were normal kids issues but as he has gotten older, the issues have become bigger. Asperger is under the Autism spectrum and they say no two "aspies" are alike. Austen is considered high-functioning but stresses easily with certain surroundings or situations. We face different challenges all the time but we are getting help and joined a support group. Lots of prayers are requested.
My mothers has continued to live with our cousin. They are close in age and enjoy the same things so it has worked out well. My brother Eric has moved back as well and is staying with us until an apartment comes open for he and mom to become roommates.
