Matthew didn't get the job he wanted.  He told me this morning.  He says that after offering him the job and conducting a background check on him, the company finally decided to hire someone else. 

He looked so dejected today.  But I found it difficult to feel sorry for him.  Whenever he is having a rough time, my life becomes all the more tougher.  Like his not working is all my fault.  He takes his frustration out on me, even though I am the one who's trying to help him.  The situation he's in now happened to me MANY times!  But I am not bitter.  God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly all that we could ever ask or think!  I will just keep on helping and praying for my husband, encouraging him not to throw in the towel and keep trying, while continuing to rely on the Lord to care for this family in the meantime.

Kinda-sorta good news for me, though.  I received a HEFTY raise yesterday.  I guess my experience, and my willingness to work hard and help management make this department run more smoothly, is paying off.  The big check couldn't have come at a better time.  Not enough for "extras", but enough to pay ALL of our bills and buy groceries, with a bit left over for gas money.  Can't complain about that.  Of course, I didn't tell my husband about this.  Probably would make him feel worse.  Not a good time for gloating.

I started a savings account today, too.  I will probably put my raise money into it so that I can build it up.  It's a good thing to try and save for emergencies.

Nicolette and I are preparing to start raising money for her trip to New York next year.  Fund raisers are being planned, but I sense that most of this money will have to come out of the parents' pockets. I told Nikki not to worry; a way will be made for her to go!  I am praying that I will be able to go, too!  The trip is expensive, but worth it.  If I cannot go, then I won't feel too bad.  But the trip will be a great learning experience for my maw-maw! LOL  Report card day is coming up soon, though, and if she knows like I know, I'd better be happy with the grades she is making..................

I don't know if I mentioned this earlier, but she has been selected as one of the dancers for The Nutcracker play.  I am SO excited!  I will try to get her aunts, and maybe even her grandmas, down here to see her.  I always wanted to do those kinds of things when I was a kid, but I knew that my mom couldn't afford it.  I vowed that once I had children, I wouldn't let ANYTHING stop my children from participating in activities that they are interested in.  She loves her dance and theater classes, just like I always knew that she would.  I am very proud of my little lady!

Update: She got her report card today, and Matthew says that her grades are VERY good; NO F's!!!!  YAAAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!

The air is getting cooler here, and fall is right around the corner.  I anticipate better things for the future.

Adrian