Thru the deep waters

I know it has been a while since I've updated y'all. I am sorry for that. Things have just been crazy! School consumes almost all my time during the day, and when I find time to be a wife and do chores around the house or run errands or go to doctor's appointments, that is where the remainder of my time goes. I am thankful I have a very loving and supportive husband who understands that I am busy with school, but also pregnant and seem to be lacking motivation and energy. He has been great and ever so patient with me and I am thankful for everything he does for me and our daughter. He is one amazing daddy already!

I am taking the time to write today, because I felt prompted by the Spirit to. I have a great friend, Nicole, who I have known for many years who recently posted on her Facebook about a run/walk being held for her cousin in St. George, Utah. Check it out here.
Ben was diagnosed with ALS just over a year ago. Upon wandering to the site, I found his wife's blog. Her faith in this trail that God has granted her has given me such a deep appreciation for life. For every day trails. I stayed up way past my bed time reading her blog and reading her story of faith, courage and hope. I read and wept over her words and her struggles, fears and anger. But it all kept coming back to the Lord. It all kept returning to Him, His will and His timing. She has absolute faith in Him, in His promises and that made me want to do more. I am not the perfect follower of Christ. My faith lacks... a lot. I don't study the Scriptures like I should, I don't pray as often as I should and I certainly don't always act with love, faith and hope. But I find myself renewed through someone else's struggle. I find myself wanting to make sure that I prepare myself to be steadfast and honorable. I find myself wanting to make sure that I am doing all that I can to get back to Heavenly Father, to be the best mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, aunt....etc, that I can be.

I often think that I have it rough. I have my fair share of problems, some that have left some pretty deep wounds, and my trails are mine, they are what God has given me, but in relation to Ben and his family, my trails seem so small. I am so thankful for what I have, for the family I have supporting me and for the friends I have that are there at moment's notice. I have a perfect baby girl growing inside me, a husband who would do anything for me and worries constantly about Mady and I and a life that I can hardly complain about. I am blessed. And I need to recognize that a little more often. I need to thank Heavenly Father for all that He has provided Tom and I with. We could not do this alone and we know that. :)

As for other news: I am 24 weeks along now and I fall more in love with Madalyn every day. I can't wait to meet her and have her in my arms. 3 months to go!!! She is a mover and has quite the kick. I woke up this morning and decided to listen to her heartbeat- it is my favorite sound in the world- and while listening to her, I could also hear her move. I could lay there and listen to her all day. <3

The next few months will be busy as Tom and I are moving in with family to save some money and to look for a home to purchase. We are excited for this oppurtunity, but we also know it will be a bit stressful. I head home to Denver at the end of the month for my first baby shower that my aunt is throwing for me. I am excited to go home and spend some time with family, as I know after sweet Mady comes, it will be more difficult to get away. A week after getting back from Denver, Tom's parents and I will head to Las Vegas, and then I will drive to St. George, Utah, followed by a trip to SLC to spend time with my bestie, my grandparents and some friends I haven't seen in ages. It will be a wonderful trip, with hopefully a trip to the Temple with my grandparents and some much needed time with my best friend. I am grateful that Tom has worked so hard to allow me to travel as much as I will during the next month. I am really grateful that he is giving me this chance to see my family and friends before miss Mady comes.

I'm thirsty anyway- so bring on the rain......

The last few weeks have been a rollarcoster. I am definately ready for things to settle down, although I don't foresee that happening anytime soon.

After my trip to Wyoming, I was let go from my job.
I am really trying to see this as a blessing, as raising a 15 year old is a lot of work.
It took us 3 days to just register H for school and I wouldn't have been able to do it had I been working.
I have also been able to start getting ready to back to school.
I am ahead in my Shakespeare class and have already passed the first quiz :)
It also allows me to be a better wife and make sure T is completely taken care of.

It also allowed me to take a trip with K to Las Vegas to say goodbye to my great aunt Diane.
Aunt Diane was my grandpa B's sister. While I don't know that side of the family very well, it was heartwarming to meet new family members and to see that my family really does belong to the Church.
I was able to see my cousin Nai Nai and her baby boy Rylan Jay.
I was able to finally meet my Aunt C's husband and see where she is living.
And I had my first time on the slot machines and won $315.00. It paid for my trip and for the new tires we needed on the car.

Upon returning, I recieved some news that some of my close family members are having a run of bad luck with their health. Not wanting to break confidentiality, I won't mention names or what is going on, but it just brought me back to the place of wanting to cherish every moment I have with those I love. Who knows when it will be the last time?

The last few weeks, while difficult, have been a blessing.
I have had 2 interviews with great companies and am hoping to hear from them, but still looking.
I am taking 3 classes at the local community college (Shakespeare, American Sign Language and Stats).
I am loving the chance to be a mother like figure to H.
I have lost a total of 68 pounds.
I am training for a 5K in October.
And I am happy.

T is doing well. He is busy with work. And when he is not at work, Church and H is keeping him busy. He loves his job and excels at it everyday. I am so proud of him.

T and I are hoping to be in Colorado come November for baby Fi's baptism. I can't wait to meet her. I also told F that if I don't have a job by the time she needs to go back to work, I'll come to Colorado and be baby Fi's nanny. :) She is doing well and growing stronger every day! I am so thankful for the blessings God has showered down upon her.

All our love.