Not What We Expected..

I've been TERRIBLE at blogging lately--so many things going on in life and not any time to sit down to really jot down our happenings. Most importantly, our lives are being taken in a different direction than we expected. Spencer applied to dental schools and after 'X' amount of time, no real offers have been given, so we had to make other arrangements for our family. The stresses of working at Liberty Square have gotten to me, and in about 6 days, I will be done as the Office Manager. This is GREAT news for multiple reasons, mainly that I will finally get the chance to be a stay at home Mommy...

It makes no sense to move outside of Provo, so we found a small complex that we will start managing at the beginning of June called Foxwood Apartments. Although I will still be working, office hours are only a maximum 4 hours a day and the office is the front room of our home. :) This does have both advantages and disadvantages (the only disadvantage being you can't ESCAPE the students--they KNOW where you live!), but i'm excited to at least have the opportunity to be at home with our little Madster. :) Spencer will work maintenance at the complex and has starting working for Marriott again part-time. If anyone needs a "Friends and Family" discount on a room, we can give it to you! :)

It's been so interesting to see how Heavenly Father's plan works--you set up your own ideas of what your life is going to be and then realize that our Father's plan for us is QUITE different than you had in mind. And although there were many tears and stress involved, He helped us through and provided a way for 1) me to be at home 2)financial obligations to be met with new jobs and 3)for us to have a rent free HOUSE while we're at Foxwood. Yes, dental school will have to wait another year, but what's a year in the grand scheme of things? Will our lives be that much altered because of 365 days? I think not. Spencer knows and has felt strongly that he needs to pursue dentistry, so we'll reapply again this upcoming June.

It's nice to know, though, that no matter what, the Lord provides a way for all of us, even if it's not necessarily what you expected. I have grown so much through this experience, mainly because i'm a worrier by nature. But now I have exercised a great amount of faith and KNOW how important faith is in dealing with not only big rites of passages but little moments in a day as well. How grateful I am to know how much my Father in Heaven loves me--He loves me enough to challenge me so I will have the opportunity to learn and grow. What more can I ask for?