It's A God Thing!

So I am a part of a group called the Pinecone Research Panel. Its an online survey company, they send you a survey once or twice a month in your email, you take this survey that is no longer than 20 minutes long about potentially new products coming out on the market, and a week or so later they send you a $3-$5 check. I know, its not much, but since I do not help with the income in our house, I enjoy doing these little surveys to earn a few extra dollars, because at the end of the month, thats an extra $3-$5 that we didnt have before that I can now blow on lunch for myself or whatever! Anyways, occasionally they send you a free product to try.

A couple weeks ago, I did a survey about a new low calorie/low sugar soda possibly coming out. Today, I was in my kitchen feeding Jadon lunch, and it was just kindof one of those irritating mornings, I was feeling kindof tired, cranky and sorry for myself. I thought about how I really wanted a soda right then, but how I didnt want to leave the house to go get one. I wished that I could just go online and order one, or call and order one (like pizza), and then I even thought about how I wished one would just appear out of nowhere!

No more than 45 minutes later, as I was cleaning up our lunch, there was a knock on the door. I opened the door, and there was a box on the porch and the UPS man was just pulling away. It was from the Pinecone Research Panel..... and I immediately knew what was in the box! They sent me a 20oz bottle of soda to try out! I smiled to myself and instantly my mood changed.

I felt like it was Gods little reminder to me that He is always there with me, even in my down times, and that He was reminding me that I have so much to be thankful for! Its the little things, like this soda showing up on my front porch, that remind me of how much He loves His children!

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, the soda is REALLY good! I cant tell you anything about it though, i'm sworn to secrecy! :)

Having a baby changes everything

So as Jadon's first year of life comes to a conclusion, my thoughts are brought back over the last year and all the changes we've encountered. It was this time last year that Derek changed jobs, and I quit my job which was really hard even though I hated the clinic.
Then our son tried to enter the world 6 weeks early, and I was put on bedrest in the hospital for 5 days, but Jadon had other plans and didnt want to wait any longer to meet us. Even though he was born 5 weeks and 1 day early, the doctor said "he acted like a 37 weeker." In other words, he was in fantastic health despite his early appearance.
As I look back, I am constantly reminded of how God has just totally worked everything out for us. From the timing of our job changes, to keeping our baby boy healthy, to keeping food on our table... He has always been there for us. And I am confident that he will continue to provide for us!
It is true what they say "having a baby changes everything." Just about every aspect of your life changes in one way or another. In being a mom, my favorite thing to do is just to sit back and watch my son as he explores and discovers new things. Remembering how hard those first few months of his life were, watching him now makes it all so worth it! You never really know that you are capable of this kind of love until you have your own child. Its amazing in every aspect of the word! So yes, having a baby DOES change your life, but in the best possible way you could ever imagine!