Jay had a Birthday!!

Jay had a birthday yesterday!!! Usually we buy a GREAT cake from Mrs. Page up the road. (She has the best tasting cakes). But, alas, we could not afford a cake, so my wonderful and loving sister made one for him. I LOVE IT!!! Bet you can't guess how old he turned? HAHA It was so good. Heather also volunteered to make dinner, so the Condreys joined the Jones for breakfast at dinnertime! It was delicious, and Heather did a great job. Once again, I shall mention that I am extremely blessed to have her as my sister! Most of the time we go out for birthday dinners, but we had a great time here at home, and I think I shall have my birthday at home also. We all played video games afterwards, it was a hoot to watch Mama and Tommy boxing, bowling, playing tennis. Overall, it was a joy to have family over and Jay had a good time!

Well.......

Well, Jay did not get the job. He did get a nice letter regarding his "commendable qualifications". The Lord still answered my prayer by not letting the disappointment overwhelm me. February is a hard month financially for us and we are struggling some, not much. Still food on table and roof over our heads, so we cannot complain. We sent out over 20 emails with resumes this Monday, so hopefully things will work out. We know that God has something for him, just waiting to see what it will be.

School is out today due to power outages across Landrum. So....I have not only my two girls, but Jennifer's 5, yes 5 kids today. Her school was not closed, just the kids school. Anyway, its really interesting around here.

If The Paw Fits

Wow, I cannot believe I failed to mention my new store!!! If The Paw Fits, my unique pet supply store has a permanent physical location! We are now located at Twigs Unique Gifts at 105 East Rutherford Street in Landrum, SC. I am so appreciative of Barbara, owner of Twigs, in giving me this opportunity to own my own piece of the American Dream! Twigs is 3 levels of the most awesome items! The bottom floor is designer consignment clothing, the middle level is unique gifts, and the top level is for vendors who want to rent a booth for their store. When you are on the middle level and look up the stairs you can see If The Paw Fits. We spent all weekend getting our displays set up and ready for sales. At If The Paw Fits, we try to cater to small dogs and provide items not found in big chain or small pet stores. Also, we are adamant about keeping our prices at a level that everyone can afford. If you have a small dog, you should stop by and see all of the wonderful items I have in there, and please, TELL YOUR FRIENDS! If you do not have a small dog, just stop by and let me know how I did in setting up, then browse around the other levels for neat gifts!

I am so grateful to God in allowing me this chance to own my own business, and doing something I enjoy, which of course is anything dog related! I am so blessed in my career life! For the last 15 years I have had a great opportunity to establish a good reputation in the accounting field, and even opened Team Accounting which caters to small businesses needing a bookeeper once or twice a month.

However, I really have felt for the past few years that my heart was with these animals. I have pondered the ways to move my career into a position where my dogs will pay me a "salary" (haha that is funny). Anyone who has ever raised puppies knows that if you do it right, you will not make any money in it. Therefore, Team Kennels will probably always be in the red, but it brings so much joy in my life that it is worth it. If The Paw Fits gives me the chance to purchase items for my dogs, to put in my puppy packages, and to sell to the public while making a dime. It has done very well online and at craft shows, but I have dreamed of having it located in a store, where people can have the chance to browse, or ask for special orders. The Lord has answered that dream, and I hope and pray that I can create a great place for people to shop!

THE LORD IS SO GOOD TO ME, I do not know why He loves me and blesses me like He does, but I want to give Him ALL OF THE GLORY for the things He has done and things He will do!

Been A Week

Well, it has been over a week since my last blog, and we have another litter of puppies. These are Pekingese, all white from a red mom and gray sable dad, go figure. These puppies are gorgeous and I would love to keep the white girl, but alas, my husband does not yet have a job, so we have to sell all the puppies we can.

His interview went extremely well, but we have not heard back yet, so we are still praying for guidance. See how nice he looked!! I love seeing him dressed up and in a tie, but he, like so many men I know, does not like wearing a tie. Therefore, I took advantage and took lots of pictures this day!

We want the job given to him so bad, but at this time my prayer is that if he does not get the job, that my faith will not waiver, and I will continue to trust the Lord to take care of us. My disappointment grows with every day that we do not hear, and I just pray for patience, I know the right job is out there where God wants him to be. Patience is given through tribulation, and we are in times of tribulation. I half listened to our new President give his speech about the economy last night, and honestly, it was more depressing than uplifting. This world is not going to get better for a long time(if ever before He comes back), and I am so glad that I have God looking after my family! Without Him, we would not be able to survive. I also know that so many families are in our same financial situation, and without the hope that He provides us. Lets all say a special prayer that they will find comfort in our Lord to help them through this time also.

Valentine's Day is coming up and we are having our Sweetheart Dinner at church. Our Youth portrays the wait staff for tips to use to go to summer camp at Look Up Lodge. Emily had so much fun at camp last year, she can not wait to get back this year. The Youth is great, dressing in black pants and white shirts, filling glasses and delivering food. I have tried to get Mom and Tommy to go, but it is not looking hopeful. From what I understand, there is some problems with old habits that need to be worked out, causing stress with Mom, Tommy and Heather. My prayer is that old habits will die permanently.

Going back and reading this blog, it sounds like life is down for us. In reality, life is good, GOD is watching after us and taking care of us, my family is together and in good health. God will never let us down!