Life is interesting...have you ever stopped to think about life about how everything happens for a specific reason?  It often times surprises us but yet it happens.  Daniel is still working crazy hours at Target while job searching.  He has kept in touch with his previous employer and we are praying that he may end up back there after everything settles.  We are open to most anything though including moving.  I am still working crazy hours at Panera 5am-1:30p Monday through Friday.  Its nice because I have a set schedule and get a day  off every once in a while during the week.  I have also applied FINALLY to sub in a district or two but think I will wait till next school year to actually start.  I know a lot of teachers in the one district and said they would call me and I think they could keep me busy most days between all of them.  I also have another opportunity and am considering it but still weighing my options and praying about what is best for Daniel and I. 

Other than working we really don't do anything too exciting.  Valentine's weekend was a lot of fun.  We went to Columbus for the weekend and visited with friends as well as did some shopping and spent some of our gift cards we had left over from the wedding.  We had lunch with Sam and Marie who are due with their first baby in about two weeks so it was sooo great to see them.  We also had dinner with my good friend Danielle and her husband Adam.  We had a great time sitting and talking to them and were at the restuarant for three hours!   

One prayer request...my friend from work is not only pregnant but also dealing with the fact that her father is suppose to pass away by the end of the weekend.  He has been dealing with many different things for a long time and was given a month just a lil over a month ago.  They moved him to hospice on Wednesday night and tonight we got the call that his breathing has slowed and become more labored.  V (my friend) is in tredmendous pain as I cannot even imagine and starting to sort out her pain and emotions.  She has had to take a lot of time off and even though she has no sick or vacation time.   

Hope everyone is healthy while all the crud is going around! 

The relatives are gone, the presents are unwrapped, and the homemade cookies are starting to get hard....where did the time go?  Daniel and I had a wonderful Christmas for the most part...a few bumps in the road when aren't there?  We celebrated six times in three days!  Crazy!  And I was ready for it to be over!  Christmas eve we went to my parents for our traditional Italian Christmas Eve meal of fish...all kinds of fish!  (Italians or is it catholics don't eat meat on Christmas Eve)  We exchanged gifts there and had a really nice time spending time with my mom's relatives.  Daniel and I then went home and opened gifts Christmas morning at our house and proceeded to Daniel's parents to do Christmas morning at their house with his sister, brother-in-law and two kids, other sister and brother.  It was nice to spend the morning together and we have never done it that way.  From there we went to Dan's grandparents for lunch and Christmas with his mom's whole side...all 18 of us crammed into grandma's house!  After that Dan and I headed up to my dad's sister's house for Christmas with that side and a nice big dinner.  Daniel and I then stayed at my parents to open presents with them the morning after Christmas.  Yes crazy!  To finish the festivities Dans  grandparents took the whole family out to dinner Friday night before his aunt, uncle, and cousin headed back to Florida on Sunday.  This past weekend we had two birthday parties and now its time to go back to work for a few days before New Year's Eve.

Like I said before we had a pretty great Christmas and got a lot of nice gifts.  I got everything  on my wish list other than a puppy which will come in a year or two.    I now have four books to read, several movies to watch, some new clothes, a new puzzle, a few new games, new ornaments, a gift card, and some adorable pictures of my niece and nephew!  Daniel got some new clothes, a new fishing pole, several movies, a craftsman storage thing for his tools, a new carhart jacket, and his most beloved harmonicas....no one even bothered to get me earplugs!  What were they thinking?  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and didn't have too many bumps along the way!

 

My cousin and his son opening the present I got him

The fish my Dad and Uncle cooked all day!

More fish!

Our tree or at least some of it...

Daniel and his brother matching at the big family dinner at Der Dutchman.

This evening (well its after midnight so last night) was one of mixed emotions.  I was sooo drained after working from 8-4p.  I now regret questioning why I didn't have a job for so long.  This is not exactly where I want to be but it keeps me busy and with a job for now.  After working all day I had to stop at Verizon yet again to fix the s-t-u-p-i-d  cell and to Blockbuster to take a movie back.  Was I able to colaspe of exhaustion well of course not!  I had to get dressed up to go to viewing hours for my husband's great-aunt.  I knew a few people there-actually more than I thought I would.  Afterwards we congregated at his grandparents for the evening-which was exciting but I will share about that in the next weeks or so.  Now we are having a sleepover with my 4-year old nephew-who by the way is STILL awake...hehehe....he likes staying with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Dan    He seems to never be tired when he sleeps here.  Tomorrow we are entertaining my sister-in-law and niece for the day.  We were trying to think of something fun to do outside that would be inexpensive and fun for the kiddos!  Well I am going to enjoy the "Incredibles" and popcorn with my little buddy...yes I know past midnight....still awake....and snacking.  I said though he loves us!  And is a total cutie-pie.  Have a happy weekend!