Speechless...

So Monday morning, I was awakened to my vibrating phone. My first thought was "Ah great, is it really time to wake up already?". I reached over to turn off my alarm, but it was ringing instead. I thought that was a bit odd. I looked at the caller ID, and it said Private. So my next thought was "Oh, just another telemarketing agency." (Since Matt left the military all our contact info is everywhere and we have tons of schools trying to recruit us all the time. So we never answer numbers we don't recognize.) But I suddenly had a feeling I needed to answer it. Then it was like someone whispered directly into my brain "It's that attorney...." And I had a shiver of excitement but tried not to get too excited so I didn't sound like a total goob on the phone. (This all happened in the span of about 4 seconds, haha) So I answered. "Hello?" "Is this Sierra?" "Yes it is" "Hi, this is (name of the wonderful attorney I interviewed with a week ago), I'm calling to offer you a job." Silence.... "Really?" "Well, yes if you are still interested! haha" "That's great! When can I start?"

One week after we got such bad news from Matt's former employer (still can not speak their name without choking on it), we get this news. I know it's uber corny, but this is my dream job. I start the Paralegal course in January, and here I am starting as a Paralegal already because this guy has some faith in me and my abilities. We have been hoping and praying for an opportunity directed at Matt, but this effects us both and is such a huge blessing. The Lord truly works in mysterious ways.

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and well wishes. Matt is still working so hard trying to find a new job, and is constantly searching for ways to keep himself busy. I am so proud of him. It has been a rough week, but one of the greatest for us. I'm so happy that Matt is still going at it, and isn't the type to throw in the towel. Love you, dear!

PS- Don't you love how I titled this "Speechless" then rambled on for ten minutes? :)

I'm done!

After this past week, those 2 words could have a plethora (love that word) of different meanings coming from the two of us. If Matt had said them, they could mean "I'm done working for Les Schwab", since he was laid off Monday, or they could mean "I've found as many new jobs to apply for as I can do for now, so I'm done for the day." Coming from me they could mean "I'm done with this old car" since it broke down the same day Matt lost his job, or "I'm done stressing out". It could have meant "I'm done working 6 days a week, I'm ready to sleep." But instead, I'm happy to announce that when I say "I'm done", it is in reference to my Christmas shopping. Oh, that's right. I'm DONE!!!!

My fab sis-in-law told me it was her goal to be finished by the 1st of December this year so she could focus more on her family and enjoying Christmas, and at first I will admit I bawked a little bit. At first I thought, "You must have been planning for ages already, there's no way I could do that." And then I started thinking, "Well, why couldn't I do it, too? It's not impossible... I'm going to do it." And I did! And now, in light of recent events, I'm so glad I did! Not only financially but for the peace of mind. I may not have finished by the 1st, but I don't think the 3rd is too bad of a record. So thanks Claire, for setting the bar high!

Now I have 21 more days to enjoy this season and spend this time with my great hubbs. He is working his tail off right now trying to find a job, and since he can't sit still (he gets that from his dad), my house is actually clean now! With me working all the time the only day I had to clean or do laundry was Sunday and I hate that. So it's been nice to have another set of hands to help me out, plus we've been able to spend a lot more time together. Which I guess doesn't make sense, because we were pretty much working the same hours before. Funny how things work out. This could easily have turned into the most stressful time in our marriage, but it has turned into one of the happiest. Which is weird, since I'm such a worrying control freak, but it is amazing the comfort you can receive if you're open to it. We both know everything is going to turn out just fine, so for now we're going to try and enjoy this season (and our anniversary, yay!) as much as possible.

I guess all I really wanted to do was to rub in that I am totally prepared for Christmas, and I just wanted to say that I hope everyone takes the time to enjoy this season, and gets to really enjoy it. Hot chocolate for all!

At Last....

I have finally conquered the battle against the computer not letting me download our family photos. So here we are.... Courtesy of Amber Rust, Two Color Photography.

Matt's Fave... of course. haha.

I hope they call me on a mission...

Taylor was finally able to open his mission call last night. He was called to serve the.....

Long Beach, CA -Spanish Speaking- Mission and he leaves January 10th.

Congrats Tay! We are so excited for you!!

Ponderings...

Thoughts currently occupying my brain:

1. Why can't it stay Fall/Winter weather -with no snow- forever?
2. How early is "too early" for me to decide to go back to bed? -Wish I was there now!
3. It would be so fab if I could win the lottery right now. Go ahead universe, make my day! Free Cheeseburgers and hot shoes for all!
4. Why can't I get our new family photos on here? They are so cute and I want to show them off
5. How can I plot to take the hubbs with me for the rest of our Christmas shopping and avoid him wandering off in the toy department?? (Love you dearly, hubbs!)
6. Would I make it to the ark if the world was about to explode? -And did anyone else see 2012?
7. Is Christmas over yet?? Working 6 days a week has severely increased my caffeine intake.
8. Is it Christmas yet?? (I'm so good at contradicting myself, huh?) I'm excited to give everyone the presents that are already wrapped and stashed in my closet!!
9. I am hoping Matt gets some time off so we can visit the Arizona clan... We miss you guys!
And Finally....
10. Where is Taylor going to be called to serve?! We find out tomorrow!
I think that's all for now... Stay tuned friends!

I Love My Leatherneck

Has anyone seen this new commercial? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9lkmd-mMJ0
Man, did it choke me up.
I just wanted to take a quick second to tell my hubby how proud I am of him to be his wife. I love you Corporal Phillips!

I know I am a few days late posting in time, but working two jobs and all the back and forth is really kicking my butt this week. Plus, Matt buzzed his hair in honor of Veterans Day, and I was hoping to get a picture of his devilishy handsome self. But that has yet to happen so I'll put this up without it. Hope you all had a great Veterans Day!

Halloween

Okay so I know I'm a little behind, but better late than never right? For Halloween this year we had a few friends over for some games, Psycho, and of course, yummy food! Here are a few random pictures :) Mostly this post is for Lisa, since she is being a party-pooper in China right now and wasn't able to come. So if these pics are random to the rest of you, I'm sorry. haha. Miss you Lisa!

Brady is the king of creepy faces. haha

Brady taking pictures of himself......

Maggie and I

Me wearing Brady's glasses. Wow my face looks weird! haha. That is rad.

Taylor is pretty good at looking creepy too! haha

And lastly... black roses in memory of Lisa's hilarious presence. haha -how morbid and appropriate for Halloween. We miss you Lisa!

PS - we have decided on a solution for the Man Cave... that, plus updated family pics are coming soon! So check back!