It's Friday

Today I am thankful that it's Friday, even though my weekend is already completely full of events leaving me with no time to rest...

Brandon is traveling to Pensacola for work today,  returning home sometime tomorrow.  We've got a worship service at church this evening that Brandon was supposed to help with, so I'm planning to leave work early today for that.  Tomorrow will be the last Saturday that I'm working at the jewelry store.  (I'll elaborate more about that in a minute.)  We're eating dinner with my Mom and the kids (Nate and Beth) tomorrow evening.  It's been a month since we saw them last and it's just too long.  With all of our busy schedules it's hard to spend time with my Mom.  I know that things will be different once Ellie's here, but it doesn't change the fact that I miss my family now!  Brandon's youngest sister celebrated her birthday yesterday, so we're having Sunday Lunch after church with our Italian family.  Did I also mention that my LIFE group meets each Sunday afternoon at 4pm?  I'm tired already thinking about all that's going on this weekend, but at least it's all family stuff.  I'd much rather be busy with my family than doing nothing at all.  

We were crazy busy at the store the past two days.  People that have or currently work in retail don't even have a clue what it's like to work in a jewelry store on the week of Valentine's Day!  Not to brag, but I made not one-not two, but THREE nice sales yesterday.  Selling used to be so easy for me, but it changed once I got pregnant.  My numbers started dropping in August.  Paul talked to me about it, but understood that I had a lot going on.  Yesterday was just what I needed to boost my self-confidence in the store.  Of course, it's super easy to sell jewelry to men when they've waited until the last minute to buy. 

Brandon and I didn't do anything special to celebrate Valentine's Day.  We ordered Ellie's changing table and lamp and counted that as our gift to each other.  He did stop by work with some beautiful red tulips for Ellie and me.  Dad dropped by and we went out to lunch together while it was slow at work.  At the end of the evening, Paul gave us all a beautiful diamond (horizontal-set) cross pendant.  He usually gives us all roses, but we gave them all away to our customers!  Brandon and I "crafted" once I was home--we had to put the finishing touches on some items for the worship service at church this evening.  Even though there was no candy or gifts, it was one of the best we've ever had.  I can only imagine how amazing it will be next year with our snuggly little Ellie Valentine!

Working has become difficult lately because I feel so terrible most of the time.  I sit down as much as possible during the slow times, but there wasn't much down time this week.  During a quiet moment I asked Paul if I could reduce my hours through the end of March.  He was more than supportive and knows that I'm struggling each day.  I don't think I could have asked for a better boss.  He supported us so much while we were trying to conceive.  When I had surgeries and needed time off due to treatment, he never docked my pay- NOT ONCE.  I will miss not being in the store.  Everyone is like my extended family because I see them more than anyone else; including Brandon.  I have no doubt that I will make frequent visits with Ellie so I don't get cabin fever at the house while she's still little.

I had really wanted to continue working full-time through March 29, but I now know that there's no way.  Brandon has always taken care of our finances, and I completely trust him with that task.  When we get paid, he gives the first 10% to the church.  I whole-heartedly believe this is why we have what we do.  There's always enough money to pay the bills, pay our life-insurance, and pay our savings.  God hasn't failed us yet(nor do I believe that he will) in the financial department.  Not to say that we haven't had our fair share of struggles, but God has taken good care of us.  I am nervous to see my paycheck lessen, but I know that God is in control. 

Update on my back--it still hurts!  My hip is also still bothering me, but I visited the chiropractor this morning.  I plan on getting some much needed rest next week.