Steal of a Deal

I was so happy to finally see this weekend. Friday night Brian and I lounged around and had some great dinner together. It has been a while since we have had a weekend to rest together. We were in bed by 9:30 and it was FABULOUS!!! It sounds bad that we go to bed so early on a Friday. On Saturday Brian had his spring football game with the University, which went really well even though it rained. I woke up and went to Knoxville with some awesome girls from work. Natalie, one of my friends, goes to church there. Today her church had a huge yard sale and everything they sold went to Missions, which really made me want to go. They had some really great stuff. Since Brian is in full swing of applying for jobs and interviews and he only has one suit, I decided what better place to look for a suit than at a church yard sale. Needless to say, I found a really nice Nautica two-piece suit for $3. I was floored and since Brian was not with me, I found a helpless soul who was about the same size as Brian to try it on. I also got him 2 ties and a brown leather belt (he asked for one for Christmas and didn't get one). I got all of that for $5!!! I was so excited to get home for him to try it on. When I walked in the door I showed him my bag of goodies, which I was so proud of, and he tried the suit on along with one of the ties. It fit him perfectly and it looks so nice!!! He may need to have the coat taken in a little, but I was so excited. Now he has two suits for interviews and even Easter if he wants to wear one. I felt great about my purchases. They have the sale once a year and I just think it's such a great idea! I would love to know how much money they make toward missions. The youth group also had a bake sale going on and when I was checking out people were donating more money then they owed for their purchases. It was such a humbling experience. So that's my STEAL OF A DEAL.

Today...

Today Brian and I got a lot accomplished. 1. Went for a short 30 minute run. 2. We took a lot of stuff to the new apt and are starting to make it feel more like a home than stinky newly painted walls. 3. Finished my 25 page paper for my research methods class. 4. Made an awesome dinner! All in all, we had a really great day together and I'm looking forward to only working 3 days next week. :O)

March Brings New Beginnings

With March has come many changes for the Schaad Household. With them I have been challenged, stretched, and angry at times. With these feelings, I have felt more distant from God than I ever have. I know it's because my heart was not in the right place, and I admit that. I also admit that I tend to be very selfish at times and that is where my anger came into play. To make light of a very long story that I am still trying to figure out, we are moving to Jellico Tennessee. Since Brian is no longer working for the University, and since our home is owned by the University, we need to move so others that work for the University can move in. With that being said, we are moving to an apt in Jellico. I have fought with God about this for multiple reasons, and the main one is WHERE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE? I feel like we have really always had some path that God has shown us to take... until now. I'm really learning a lot about patience and gratitude. I am very grateful that God provided a place for us in Jellico. I am just searching for God to show us if this is where we are supposed to be long term, or if he wants us to go somewhere else. God has not shown us for sure stay or for sure go, and that is what I find myself struggling with.

Until we get an answer, I am reminded of the Israelites when God didn't promise them they would not have to move every 2 years.

Until we get an answer, we will continue to serve Him.

Until we get an answer, we will continue to be grateful and wait upon the Lord.

Until we get an answer, we will be still.

February 2011

Feb List

• I have lost 11.8 pounds total since Jan 3rd, 2011.
• I have been enjoying running more since the weather has been nice. (It's amazing how the weather can really change your mood.)
• I got a new pair of running shoes and ran 3 miles in them this morning. My feet feel great!
• One more week of two classes, and then I go down to one class until early April.
• Looking forward to getting my hair cut tomorrow!!!
• It seems like these past few months there have been a lot of people finding out they are pregnant. My facebook was flooded with ultrasound pictures!
• I want another GiGi's cupcake!

Booked and ready to go... like NOW!!!

Today we booked our plane tickets to SAN FRANSISCO!!! I am very excited. We don't have the opportunity to go many places just the two of us like this and I have to go speak at a conference for work, so we decided to take advantage and celebrate our 3 year anniversary there. My work is paying for my plane ticket, hotel, and transportation as well as food. All we had to pay for was Brian's ticket and food. We are looking forward to visiting such a beautiful city May 11th-14th! :O)

Sorry to the 4 people who read my blog. I have not been very faithful to post anything on here recently. Our life has been one big whirl-wind. I have been swamped with homework every night when I return home from work and having class two nights a week has really taken up all and any free time. TV has become obsolete in my life. Forget reading for pleasure. So... this is why I have not posted to my blog.

There have been some pretty interesting things going on however. Brian is in full swing of subbing and job hunting. We are still praying for God to show us the next step. Whatever He wants for us, no matter what that looks like, we are willing to be obedient. I just wish I knew what lies ahead for us. The title of this blog a while ago was called "Making God Laugh Daily." I know He gets a joke when I try to be in charge. Learning to let go and FULLY rely on God has always been a struggle for me! I would think after many many times of messing up and crying on my face before God I would learn... but no.

Anyway... I have a ton of homework to do before Sunday at midnight and am really not sure when I will find the time to do it since I have to do some observation. We are also visiting my parents this weekend because I have not seen them since Christmas. UUGGG... so I guess I will spending some time on the laptop this weekend. :O(

Paid In Full

2008 Corolla is now paid in full. YEA!!! Our 5.5 year loan was reduced to 3 years. Once Brian wrecked his car we were able to take what we received from his car to pay off the Corolla. We are continuing to save money to purchase his car and we are still (gratefully) driving my parents van. He has now almost completely decided to purchase a Rav4, which makes me very happy. I like the idea of a truck, but what are we going to do when we have 1 or 2 kids and Piper? With an SUV we can put Piper in the back.

Also... lost another 1.4 pounds this week. Still going strong!