In A Year

All I can say is, WOW! The Lord sure knew what He was talking about when He told me that last year was going to be awesome! So much has happened in this past year, that I had to take the time to write about it and count my blessings.


First, we had a Dexter. He is just a sweetie to have around. He lights up my day and we all just love him!

Second, Steve has been at Holland for a year now. Despite the travel time he had to do for the first four months, it's been a great change. I LOVE that he doesn't travel, at all. Well, today he is heading up to Seattle to see what exactly he is paying the bills for (he approved a 3 $3000 trash cans just last month) and checking out the over developments there. But, most nights he is home by 6. Weekends off. Flexibility and a very understanding boss.


We ran into one of his old bosses from EY a few weeks ago. It was weird, but good to see him and his wife (her name is Sarah too!). All I could think about was how much happier we are now that Steve is in a different work environment!


Third, Steve is now a CPA! He passed the exam last year, but it's taken us almost another year to apply and pay for the fee to get him licensed. But we finally did. And the other day, he saw his license on his desk when he went to work! I am so proud of him for all the hard work he put into getting his CPA. He is now, Master Steve Richins, CPA! LOL!!


Fourth, we moved outta of our apartment and into this beautiful home! Yes, we are only renting, but it feels like ours. Not only is this home wonderful, but the neighborhood, the school and our church! We feel like we have been here forever. The kids are thriving in school and in church. Our home is a place of peace and happiness. (Ok, 85% of the time...I can not say the kids don't fight...a lot...) But we are happy and healthy, and that's all that matters!


Fifth, we are doing really good. We are all happy, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We are making great choices and seeing the cup as half full! 


I know I've heard a lot of people saying that they need to try and focus on being happy now. To not say, I'll be happy when.... But for me, it really was, I'll be happy when, we move, we get a new job, we find a ward that is amazing. Yada, yada, yada. And it's true. I am happy now. 


Yes, I struggle some days to do the little things that will keep me happy. And I'm still trying to find a good cleaning routine. Let's face it, cleaning isn't my thing. I hate doing it. I drag my feet to clean up. But when I finally get down to business and get this place clean, I'm more relaxed. It's a vicious cycle. ;)


But all in all, things are great!


Sixth, we traded in our Penny for a 15 passenger van and Saturn. It's been such a blessing to be a two car family. And to know that when baby number 6 comes (I am not pregnant!) we will be able to safely travel as a family. And Steve can get to and from work without having to an arm and leg in gas!


When things are looking bleak and it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it can be a struggle to have faith in the Lord that things will work out. He has so many blessing that He is just waiting to pour down you, He's just waiting for you to have faith in Him and do what's right.


Let me tell ya, when you do put your faith in Him and trust that He will lead you to where you are suppose to be, the blessings are too many to count. I have learned that Heavenly Father is just waiting to give you all that you need and more, if you just turn to Him and His Son.


Sorry for the long post without many pictures. My cup runneth over, and I just had to jot down my feelings before I forget. 


I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, blogging wise. It's just taken a bit. I've been pulled in so many ways, which group of blogs to follow. Who do I want to follow. Drama, no drama. Creating my own drama. LOL! I'm good at that one. So now, I'm just trying to find the blogs that inspire me, or make me laugh. Those are the people I want to build relationships with. But when to do that when I have diapers to wash and fold, laundry to do, and a house to clean. Plus, reading time and writing time and math time with the kids. Chores. And having fun with my family. I need to work on time management now. lol!


Anyway, thank you for making it to the end of this very long and boring post. I hope that the Lord will bless you as He has blessed our family. Cheers!