Changes!

Wow! I go 2 and a half months without posting and so many things happen! Let me set a timeline for you.

My grandma with me at my college graduation at Samford University.

On June 17th, my grandma fell and fractured her pelvis. She was placed in rehab, and then transferred to the nursing home after her rehab stint ended. This was a hard transition for my family because my grandma is the Rock of our family and pretty much the only reason we put up with each other. There are things out of our control, so we have put our faith and trust in God because we know that He knows what is best for us and for grandma. So when you pray, just say a little prayer for my grandma. I know in the last few years she has gone down in her health, but next month she will be turning 91. It is probably a selfish reason, but I want her to see me walk down the aisle when I get married and to be at my sister's high school graduation. She is always saying that us younger grandkids got an "old grandma," but I wouldn't trade her for anyone else. Since I was around 7, she is the only one I have had. Just her being here is enough for me.

On the top is the yummy food we ordered at The Cheesecake Factory. Below is a picture of the gorgeous ring right after he placed it on my finger along with the wedding planner we stopped to buy on our way home.

Well, on the very next day (June 18th), James got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said yes!! Getting engaged is worth a whole post in itself, so later this week I will dedicate one just for it. I promise, it is a story that will make you smile, laugh, and possibly cry a little. :) To follow us, you can check out our blog dedicated just for our wedding in how we are saving money and sharing tips and ideas at Bridal Bargain Hunter or visit our wedding website to stay up with wedding information. :)



Fast forward to the end of July. On July 23rd, I had an interview with principals in the Etowah County School System. I had applied for this position before, so many of them remembered me. (Side note: James and I ate at Wendy's prior to my interview. I saw a lady picking up 11 frosty shakes and thought she looked familiar. When I got to the place for the interview, she had just walked out from giving the principals their frosty shakes. We all laughed at how I had "busted" them on their afternoon snack!) After making it through the first round of interviews, I went on to the second round July 29th at Board of Education. The same lady interviewed me with a man who used to be James's principal. We shared the frosty story again. The very next day I received a call telling me I have been offered a position. (I think it was the frosty connection!) So the past week has been jammed pack with me buying school supplies, filling our papers, going to meetings, organizing stuff, and waiting. Yes, that is right. I am waiting. Right now I don't know what school or grade I will be teaching. Today was their first day of school, so they are looking to see where teachers are needed to reduce class sizes. I don't start until next Wednesday, the 13th. If you know me, you know that I like to have a plan and am a bit OCD, so it has been driving me crazy at times not knowing. I am hoping that by the end of this week they will tell me. But until then, I am thankful to have a job! It was definitely an answered prayer, especially with planning and paying for a wedding on top of my regular expenses. As Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." (ESV)

This summer has definitely been a whirlwind with a roller coaster of emotions and changed, but I am blessed by God's love and thank Him for all He has done for me!