The Adventure Continued

     I am writing this at 3am because my cat Bella woke me up and I couldn't go back to sleep.  I knew I have needed to write for a while but my daily tasks seem to take precedence and blogging seems to be rolled to the next day, every day. So I have this free time to think and write.
     During the summer, we took many trips to the beach and had family and friends come to visit. Shane and Eric has taken two opportunities to scuba dive and has really enjoyed that together. They have seen all kinds of wildlife like turtles, octopus, seahorses, crabs, urchins, sea anemones, lots of fish of course, and jellyfish.  Everyone but me now has snorkel gear, it's just a matter of time. And of course, we bring home shells every time we go.Sometimes time goes so fast I block out things that have happened. Being here a just a few months and we have done so much.  I look back on the pictures and think, "I forgot to write about that!"
For spring break, Gabrielle had her friend Emily and family come visit for the week from Longview, TX.  Gabrielle was so lonely for her friends. I am so thankful for phones, facebook and texting so we all can stay in touch! We also decided to adopt some cats.  We found a local Kattery and adopted 2 kittens and 1 adult cat. However, the two kittens were very ill and we thought we could love them back to health. They didn't and we ended up having to put them to sleep to they would suffer.  The adult cat seemed to be fine so we named her Bella.  She is doing great! We ended up finding another place to adopt a momma and her kitten(maddie and snowflake). Unfortunately, they are still all trying to get usto each other, however, we love them all and it is so nice to have animals in our home now.
     I was able to get Austen into counseling. He is learning how to destress and getting ready to go back to public school setting. The school is one of the highest rating in the state. We met the guidance counselor, who helped us register for school and walked us through the school.
     Gabrielle and I also visited a small church called Friendship Baptist Church. The church was commissioned just a couples weeks later. Everyone is so nice and there a lot of opportunity to serve. I have already joined in greeting, facilitating in block parties as well as going on a mission trip to New Orleans. I also went to youth camp as a chaperon at Crossroads in N.C. That was great! 
     Shane's taxi cab job got old...quick. Oh I was praying hard for something else. The sleeping schedule was horrible, the pay was feast or famine. Don't get me wrong, it was a blessing that it was something and I am grateful that the Lord allowed something for Shane to do. Thankfully, Shane got a job as a case worker for a non profit organization called Family Promise.  He works with homeless families through Interfaith Housing Network (IHN) and they have a program that extends from that to temporary housing and transitional housing to get families back on their feet.  He loves it. He works with a director and a board of directors. Since the organization is non-profit, they have chosen not to be grant funded which only means they run strictly on donations. With that to say, the pay isn't good. We feel this is where God wants Shane. We love the program and I am looking for ways to volunteer. We ask for your prayers and trust the Lord that he will continue to provide our way financially.
     I am slowly building my clientele for my May Kay business. I have applied for jobs just thinking that if I could at least work part time to supplement until my business was at profit level then we would be financially be ok. But I have been turned down for so many jobs and others that I've applied for I don't even get a interview.  I have taken that as my answer from God that he doesn't want me to work outside of the home. I have to remind myself daily that God is in control and if I am doing my part, he can do his. I have taken on the secretary position with the PTO at Austen's school, leading the women's ministry at church, and sub for a church preschool. I really enjoy being home and taking care of my family.
     Austen celebrated his birthday by taking him to waffle house, beach time, and gifts. His good friend, Colton, from Longview came to spend the week with him. The schools for the kids ended well. Gabrielle did take summer school.  She didn't have to but it was recommended so that she wouldn't lose her momentum going into the fourth grade.  It was good because it also kept her busy.She had her eyes checked and now has glasses, she is so excited. She did, however, lose them after one week of having them. So, we are waiting for the second pair to come in. Both the kids were hesitant for school to start, however, now that we are several weeks into it, they both are eager to go everyday.  Austen has transitioned well! The Lord worked it out for Austen to have PE for 6th period (which was a big stresser because of changing clothes). If he wants he can just stay in his PE clothes because its the last class of the day. He is taking band(playing the trombone), honors Algebra (high school credit) and advanced science. So far, he has had time to do his homework at school and just relaxes in the evening. Gabrielle also just a few days ago (Friday night) was at her friends house and while messing around fell face first into a very hard surface and chipped her front two teeth. Huge chips that have expose nerves. Not sure what is going to happen with that yet since it happened over the weekend. So thankful she didn't have any other facial damage. I have to say I'm surprised at how well I didn't react! I'm learning from Shane not to freak out about stuff anymore.
     My brother Eric got a job at a hospital in Pensacola and we have found a perfect little house for he and mom to rent.  It is less than 15 minutes away from where we live. They are in the process of moving in and should be settled by October.