The past few weeks have been trying to say the least. With each and every blow I (or we) take, I have to remember to tell myself, Hang on, this is happening for a reason, and ask what I will learn from this experience. We took the leap and started our own business! Friday 2/19 we purchased the Bond and Insurance and on Monday 2/22 Brad received his General Contractors License. He is now in self employment. Not only has this been a long time goal and dream of his, the simple fact is, there is no jobs out there! But, there is work to be done and we must do it "by the books". SO, we jump in (with one eye closed) bracing for impact all while expecting great things to come. The stresses and emotional roller coaster we have been on this past couple of years has been crazy, add to that births of multiple new members of our extended family and the trials and tribulations that they experience and I wasn't sure I could take much more. Poor Gavin had to go to Children's last week for an abscess on his lymphoid, it was so scary and sad (he is thankfully, on the mend now and home healing). I learned a long time ago to surround myself with positive, uplifting individuals that bring joy and peace to my life. This being a very hard lesson learned and very hard to let go of those who do not fall in to that category. I find myself mourning the loss of those friendships from time to time. Remembering the past and what fun you had a child is so uplifting, yearning for the carefree feeling that I know I will never be able to attain again. I find peace in the fact that Madigyn will have that and that I can help her be able to feel that feeling and live in it as long as possible. I want to be sure and shelter her from any and all negative and protect her from useless stress and concerns as long as humanly possible. Every once in a while I can get lost in time with her and be carefree and not let the day to day drama overwhelm me, what a nice break from reality huh?