Life Couldn't Possibly Better Be..

Even though it's been a rough week...



Things don't seem to be getting worse... gotta be thankful for that! It's interesting how one second you're so hopeful for the future, and the next you feel pretty hopeless. By March we were going to be almost debt free, and by the next year we were going to be completely debt free. (by almost debt free, that meant all we had to pay was the above car.) On Sunday, after the wreck, I broke down and wondered how we could deal with this right now. Our other car is a Chevy Metro, which besides being the dumbest car ever created- is HORRIBLE in snow. Our work schedules are exactly the same, which poses a problem with dropping off and picking up. Financially, we aren't prepared for it- what with Alex and I both in school, and Alex just starting a helpful- but expensive- tutoring program for math next week. It all seemed to happen at the wrong time.

But after the initial shock wore off, we started to look at the situation, and realized we are extremely blessed. Both of our families have been supportive and caring, and we're lucky that the accident wasn't worse. Plus the Lord works in mysterious ways... and we both have a feeling that everything will work out. (Besides, we were on our way to tithing settlement when the accident occurred. Surely we'll be blessed for that.........)

Things aren't going to be easy, but it will eventually be worth it.

It's the Holiday Season!

Alex and I are coming up on our second Christmas as a married love birds. We've found that we're enjoying this Christmas much more than last... particularly because last year we were just so excited to be married, we kind-of skipped over the "savoring Christmas" thing. Also we are both SO bad at surprises that we inevitably spoiled almost all of our gifts for eachother. We're not proud of it.. but we both grew from that experience, and this year we're doing much better!


We've been watching Christmas movies and enjoying the cold weather. (Yep, I said enjoying.) :) It makes the holiday season much more Christmas-y when there's snow on the ground. Agree? I love everything about this time of year.


Due to budget cuts and unable to work around work... this will be year #2 spent away from Oklahoma. Sigh. It's hard but I know that it will make the year we get to go back even more special. I'm crossing my fingers for next year, but if for some reason it doesn't work out- we're definitely going the year after. My brother will be home from the mish that year and hopefully the whole fam will be able to get together. You really learn to cherish the moments spent together when you don't see your family whenever you want.


Anyway, to update on our lives- our callings are going well. I'm gradually becoming more comfortable on the piano and I'm trying to help Alex get into his calling a little more. (On my day off this week, I spent 2 and a half hours cutting, coloring, pasting and creating little activities that went with his lesson. I also bought candy canes and taped a sign saying Merry Christmas on each little one. Alex was more than thrilled when he came home and even went as far as calling me a "life saver". Best wife? I think so!) I think after having a solid game plan, he gained more confidence and hopefully this Sunday he won't be over-run by little maniacs. Time will tell.


I want to post pictures of my decorated apartment, so that will come in a latter post. I also just realized that I haven't posted pictures of our new apartment (we've only been here since what, March!?)


Hello. My name is Rachel.. and I'm a procrastinator.


BUT on a much happier note, I have ideas for each and every one of my names on my little gift list, and I'm very proud of myself for the choices I've made. I pride myself on finding a thoughtful and personable gift, so I was stressing for a while about it. Not to fear, I prevailed and I'm so excited to give them out!

Don't you love this season? Mm..mm..mm.