Maternity Photo Shoot

New Adventures and so Much MORE!

 

Things have been pretty darn crazy around here! Jon lost his job about
10 weeks
ago and we've been trying super hard to make ends meet and to find new work for either of us.
The problem with me looking for work is I seem to have stamp across my forehead that screams "MATERNITY LEAVE!"
and have been deemed
"unacceptable".

At first his extra time off from work was great! I was able to get over a cold that had been going on two months long and get some well needed rest due to Abigail's strenuous new sleeping schedule. Jonathan and I really seemed to reconnect again after him having been gone so much. However, as our funds ran low and the bills began to pile up it seemed the strain in our bank account stretched as far as our relationship. We were getting in petty little arguments two or three times a day over ridiculous things. Not to mention my pregnancy hormones decided to skyrocket as soon as I hit 28 weeks!! With our new circumstances the thought of having another baby soon, was weighing heavily on my mind. I kept asking myself a million questions a day and mumbling frustrated comments. Such as; "HOW ON EARTH ARE WE GOING TO AFFORD THIS?" and "BIRTH CONTROL MY BUTT!" What had been an unexpected blessing had turned into a heavy burden.

I recall praying to Heavenly Father one night and in my frustration asking Him why we had to go through this and right now of all times?! We are preparing for baby number two (in which He insisted on us havingJ), we are trying to save up so we could afford to move when our lease was up and prepare Jon for school. I just could not understand why all this was happening now.

For the last two months our bishop has covered our rent, my mother in-law has randomly dropped by food and diapers for Abigail. Heaven bless her. Both of my in-laws were paying for our gas so Jon could continue to job hunt. When our phones were shut off because we could not pay the bill Jon's parents paid the bill in exchange for lawn mowing for one month. Jon's grandfather, instead of hiring a professional, is paying Jonathan to touch up the trim around his home. And his grandmother makes us dinner twice a month so we won't have to use our money to do so. All the love and support has been overwhelming. We have wonderful supportive friends and family. And it's made this trail all the more bearable.

At times it has felt as if we'd never get through this. But Heavenly Father has not forgotten us and he showed us that two weeks ago. Jon was planning on attending school in January at College of Western Idaho and graduating by summer of 2012. However, after filling out his financial aid and seeing what other grants he'd receive, we decided that maybe going to school this fall would be the solution to our problems. Jon finished all necessary paper work and sent everything off to CWI for this coming fall semester. Sure enough he got his award and it was more than enough to pay for school for three semesters and provide the funds we needed to afford rent while going to school! This would aid Jonathan in his fear of having to work full time and go to school full time. He wasn't sure if he could handle both and thank HEAVENS he doesn't have too!

On top of that, he had registered at a temp agency and has been offered a full time temp job for the week! With the money he's earning painting his grandfather's trim, donating plasma, and doing this job we'll be able to afford our big move at the end of the month! However, even after all of this I was lying awake one night with concern crinkling my brow. We're having a baby in two months, how are we going to clothe and diaper him?! I talked with Jonathan about my concerns and we both decided that Heavenly Father would provide. Sure enough, a few days later my sister Kailee calls me out of the blue.

Without beating around the bush or anything she flat out asked me if I wanted a baby shower for our little Bronco. I immediately looked up and silently thanked Heavenly Father as I told her YES I WOULD!!! I have always been told by my mom that you only get one baby shower, but in special circumstances I don't think that is an issue. I emailed Kailee afterwards and told her about my previous concerns and prayers and thanked her for asking. I felt so at peace!

So, after almost three months of stress, fights, tears and worrying, everything just fell into place. I went to bed last night and for the first time instead of all the before said keeping me up it was our little boy's constant movement and rib crushing kicks that kept me alert. And every time I felt him stir or try to break my back I smiled wide because I felt ready for him for the first time in moths!

We owe all of our blessings to Heavenly Father and to the angels He had working for Him. I guessthis goes to show you that no matter how bleak things may be there's always sunshine waiting to break through and brighten up your life. J