Its tough! But we hope!!

People ask me how we are doing ... well, its tough. Its tough to say no to the kids about going places we normally go. Its tough to say no about going out to eat - because we used to be blessed to do that A LOT. Its tough not to buy the kids more long-sleeve shirts and more leggings/pants now that the weather outside is literally freezing. Its tough to say no to the kids about almost everything related to money. Its tough to watch others going on with their lives as if nothing is wrong (because for them, nothing is) and feel left out and left behind. Its tough to keep track of all the things that you "get" to do when you are technically unemployed. Its tough to not be able to plan for the holidays and be shopping for Christmas presents. Its tough to get emails for Sub for Santa (that I normally HELP with) and wonder what we'll even have for our own family this year. Its tough to not know whether we are going on our vacation in December - one that we've worked hard for and looked forward to for quite awhile. Its tough to hear your little kids pray for their daddy to get his job back so mommy won't be so sad. Its tough to tell your kids you just don't know "when" things will be normal again. Its tough to see your husband struggle and be frustrated. Its tough to hang out with friends and be myself when I just don't feel like myself right now. Its tough to stand up under all the stress of owning two businesses but only having a small income from one! Its tough to think about all the "what ifs" that might come if we don't get an income again soon. The list goes on.

BUT!!! Its nice to have friends and family that love you no matter what! Its nice to know people are thinking of you and praying for you. Its nice to have a small income from my business despite the economic times. Its nice to have clients that love what I do for them and refer others to me. Its nice to have a church that takes care of its members - spiritually and even physically in times of need. Its nice to have friends to talk to and who put up with my tears. Its nice to have lots of prayers going up for us from friends and family. Its nice to have kids who still love you, even when you have to say no a lot. Its nice to have distractions and to get to do fun things with family and friends. Its nice to have family to buy winter coats and boots for your kids. Its nice to get a package in the mail from family ... just for Halloween fun. Its nice to have friends who show up with Halloween candy for us to give out. Its nice to have a husband, despite the situation, who is willing to just keep working HARD. Its nice to have a husband who pulls me closer when I cry and constantly lifts me up by his example. Its nice to know that when we fall short, Christ's atonement makes up for what we can't do. Its these things that give us hope and hope is what gets us through!!