18" of snow is a third of my height...

The weatherman is calling for a major winter storm tonight and tomorrow- 12 to 18" of the white mess!  I have made a very profound discovery with this amount of snowfall; I am only 62" tall, therefore, I will be walking in snow that's a third of my height!  And yes- I said profound!  haha  I don't remember the last time this amount of snow fell in Western Illinois.  My lovely hubby seemed to know the exact date of snowfall this bad- because it was on the same day as a 49ers playoff game in some year that I don't remember now!  That's weird how guys can remember things based on other events- especially sports games.  :)  Anyways, I'm praying that people take it slow on the roads or even just stay home instead of getting out and driving.  Why is our society set up in such a way that people would risk wrecking in order to get to work and accomplish tasks?  Why can't we be a more family-focused, relaxing society where people are allowed to stay home when it's bad out, in order to remain completely safe?  Our society is so driven to succeed and meet deadlines that one snow day would throw off their schedules for months.  Insane in my own opinion!  Amen to snow days!!  :)

And the lists continue..

For those of you who know me well, you understand my OCD-like lists and organization.  And now, with what I like to call my "baby brain," or my forgetfulness, it is more important than ever to keep lists- on sticky notes, in documents on the computer, sometimes both so I have a double copy if I forgot where the first list was!  :)  I am trying to come up with a list of all of the wonderful things that I must do before our little one decides to arrive.  Although I know that I still have months to tackle my list, I tend to procrastinate majorly.  Therefore, here is the start of my list (feel free to add as you see fit): 

- Drywall, paint, and get the nursery ready

- SHOP!  Duh!  :)  For baby items, maternity clothes, and diapers

- Train Daisy to listen to our commands better!  Silly puppy!  (Side note- she chewed up my Bible last week!  Will post pictures later!)

- Take a much needed relaxation weekend

- Get a video camera

- Find a daycare provider.. When do I start that?!

- Start a scrapbook, where I can just stick pictures of Baby Pence in later

And the list goes on and on... :)

A Sneaky God

Sometimes God directs me in ways that simply stop me in my tracks and make me laugh.  He can be quite sneaky- knowing exactly what I need, but allowing me to fail on my own first.  He knows every little thing about me, yet I try to rely on my own talents and strengths to make decisions.  Why?  Major life decisions are so easy to fret over and should be decided upon with careful planning and pros & cons lists, right?!  Maybe instead of trying to think through decisions, I should get on my knees and go to the One who knows exactly how my life will pan out!  With lots of prayer, and even allowing other people to pray for me, I think my next major decision will be the right one!  God, thank you for guiding me but also allowing me to realize some things on my own- like the simple fact that I need you to guide me!  :) 

Snow Day

Remember the childhood days when a day off of school because of snow meant sledding down huge hills and making snow angels with friends?  A snow day as an adult is comprised of completing household chores and changing around work plans.  As I drove through almost 3 inches of snow this morning, I kept asking myself whether the long drive to work was worth the risk.  After a 15 minute drive turned into nearly 40, I arrived at the conclusion that turning back would be in my best interest!  So here I am, in my cozy home, preparing myself for the pile of dishes in my sink and the great deal of work that I should accomplish.  God bless the people that must be on the roads this morning.

And then there were three

Travis and I found out on Thursday, December 23rd that we are expecting!  I felt weird for a few days and just knew something was different.  I was only two days late when I took the home pregnancy test and when it came back positive I was actually pleasantly surprised!  The doctor said that we are due around August 30, 2011.  We are very excited and cannot wait to have our precious baby!  Although I have been somewhat sick, I feel proud to be growing a little tiny baby within me and this makes all of the sick feelings worthwhile.  I just cannot wait until we get past the first three months because like most pregnant women, I am nervous about my first pregnancy and having a healthy baby.  I'm praying that God will bless this child and keep him/her safe.  I am glad that God has blessed our marriage in such an awesome way!

Next Chapter

I interviewed at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA) last Friday for their Program Coordinator position and I felt really good afterwards.  I was excited about working with agencies and helping them fund their programs in such a way.  Well, on Tuesday they called me and offered me the position!  They weren't planning on doing so until after the first of the year, but they said they were excited about having me!  :)  Although it is a long drive each day to Rock Island and it's more administrative than direct care, but I am actually really excited about this next chapter in my life! 

Christmas is just two short days away!  I'm not so sure where this year went, but I am excited for our five- yes, FIVE- Christmases!  Please pray that it's not too insane and that I remain calm and relaxed.  Sometimes I get anxious and uptight during exciting times.  Also, with snow coming, pray for everyone's safety in their traveling to and from.  God bless!

Unofficially Done

After three and a half years of attending Monmouth College, I am now complete with my Bachelor of Arts degree!  On Tuesday, I will find out my final grades for this semester and I am excited to be entering the 'real' world!  I had an interview this morning at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and I really enjoyed the ladies who interviewed me.  I am looking into going into the nonprofit sector and plan on continuing my education to get my Master's Degree in Social Work!  I know it will be a long three years- working full-time, going to school part-time, and being a family woman.  But it is important for me to complete my Master's Degree and will really put me in the next income bracket and make me more satisfied with myself!  I am excited for this next chapter in my life, although worried and nervous also.  Please pray that God continues to provide and watch over Travis and I.