Garbes Update:

Quite frankly...I don't even know where to begin.  Our family has been through so much these past few months, both good and bad.  In the end it has only made our family stronger and I am SO excited to what lies ahead!

So, to begin.

This summer it became quite clear to us that things were not working on the farm.  Small dairy farms are really struggling right now, for many reasons.  Long story short -- we decided that it was not feasible for us to keep the dairy running.  Because we only had the diary for two short years, there was no way Dan was going to get a return in his entire investment without selling more than just his cows.  Our final decision was to sell the entire farm and move on with our lives.  This wasn't an easy decision to make, and quite honestly there was LOTS of stress involved.  I truly believe that there is a plan for each of us, an although it was hard to see that through these tough times, I can definitely see it now!

Fast forward to today -- The farm has sold, we will be closing on that the beginning of September, and it wasn't until last week that we knew where we were going.  Our initial plan was to build a new house.  This was going to very feasible for us, as we have many connections including my father who owns a construction company and a father-in-law with land for us to put a house on.  The problem was the time crunch.  We knew we could not have a house built before the farm closed, which meant probably moving in with our parents until our house was done.  Also the fact that it was the end of summer and we only had a limited time.  If we were going to stay with our parents, we only wanted it to be for a few months...not through winter.  As much as I love them, not sure how moving back in with them would have gone!

Our plans continued -- until we were thrown a curve ball.  Again, I need to remember -- It is all in His timing! (I struggle with that one a lot, being a control freak and all!)  WE FOUND OUT WE WERE EXPECTING A NEW LITTLE GARBES!!!!  We were absolutely thrilled with the news, but worried what this might mean with building a house.  We really didn't want to be moving in right before we were going to have a baby.  So we decided to look at a house in town that was actually just built a few years ago by Dan's aunt and uncle.  Again, long story short -- We bought the house!!  The house was empty, so we were able to take early occupancy and will be moving THIS WEEKEND!!  We are very limited on time before the closing of the farm and will be gone Labor Day weekend.  We are so very excited!  We have a house with plenty of room to grow, as it has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms!! I will have to post pictures at some point.

Also in the midst of all this chaos, I had to take my social work licensing exam.  I am happy to announce that I PASSED!!  It wasn't easy as I was completely nauseous the entire exam!  Since Dan sold the farm he also had to find a job.  Thank goodness for family, who offered Dan a job. He is loving his new job, and most importantly he is home (and in the house) with his family in the evening.  No longer married to the cows! 

Looking back, we have been through one tough summer, but everything has turned out to be just fine.  I know that I could not have made it through this time without our family and friends.  They have all been so supportive, and for that I am forever grateful.  Now we just have to get through moving and unpacking!  At least I can just order the boxes around instead of carrying them myself! 

pictures...

Life has been very busy for us lately.  When I have more time, I will post more about how our lives have changed drastically the past few months, but for now...PICTURES!!  

Addie is constantly stealing my phone and taking pictures....may times random ones of herself, as seen here!

She typically chooses a shower over a bath now days.  Can you tell this girl likes to use soap?!!

Crazy hair after her bath!

She insisted that we let her ride the bus in the mall.  I don't think it was as fun as she thought it might be!!

Addie's first black eye.  We have been watching the Olympics and she loves to watch the gymnastics.  It is quite the scene watching her do her own "moves."  Although our little Addie is not the most graceful.  This is from hitting her wooden doll bed.  This weekend she also scuffed up her chin.  The girl just can not win!!

 Have a great day!!

Addie's Wheeler

A few weeks ago Dan won a four wheeler at a coon hunt he went to.  Addie was all excited when he brought it home.  She wouldn't ride at first, but has since warmed up to the idea!

We ride very slow with her, but if you ask her she says we go FAST!  Funny girl!

Summer FuN & Start of VBS!!

Here is what we have been up to the past few weeks...

Addie got her new bike.  She was so excited and even helped daddy put it together!

All ready to ride...

She did alright, but has a lot to learn!

One day Addie asked to take her "hair stuff" outside...this is what she was up to...

Good thing Callie is a VERY patient kitty...

We have been to the camper a few times this summer.  Addie has found her new friend, Autumn.  When Autumn is there, she wants nothing to do with mom and dad.  Glad she can easily make friends!

We have yet to REALLY take Addie fishing.  I guess we are just waiting for the weather to cool down and less bugs.  We get by with hillbilly fishing...out of the pool!!

"Look, mom!  I caught a fishy!"

She caught "Nemo" in this one!! 

Okay, I will try to do a few more posts later!  We started VBS today.  Addie did great, but told her teacher a bunch of times that she wanted her mommy.  When they asked her what her name tag said, she replied "I love my mommy."  What a girl!!  When we got home I got about a dozen questions asking why I wasn't her teacher, because she likes her mommy to be her teacher!  We will see how the rest of the week goes!

4th of July...

It's been awhile...thought I would do a little catching up!

It has been hot, hot, HOT here over the past few weeks!  Thought we were going to melt at the 4th of July parade, but we made it through!  Here are a few pictures to recap our holiday!

 

Crazy hair after her nap!

Sparklers were a big hit for Addie, but they made momma nervous!