TOO much going on!

I have not blogged in sooo long for a couple of reasons...

1. No time

2. too much to blog about

This is going to be pretty long so I will try to break it up and tell a long story short.

Houses:

After the heartbreak that happened with the first house we had a contract on, we decided to put off the house hunt for a little while and just see what happened. I knew that wouldn't last long. Last week, Mike emailed me a list of houses he really wanted to see. So, last night we looked at a bunch of houses and narrowed the search down to two. We are putting an offer on one but know that if it doesn't work out we can still put an offer on the other one. I am making concessions for Mike in that we are trying the one he loves more first. It costs more but Mike REALLY loves it. I would be happy in both houses so I'm hoping that will ease the pain if this offer doesn't work out. Hopefully, we will have a house to move into by the end of Summer and all this will be behind us.

School:

As most of you know, I have wanted to get out of Kindergarten for awhile. Last week, several positions opened up at my school. To be honest, I would have loved to get to teach 3rd or 4th grade again but that is not how the cards fell. I found out today that I will be teaching 1st grade next year. It is bittersweet. I am glad to be moving out of Kinder but not so excited about having the same kids next year. I am going to make the best of it and try to have a positive attitude about it. I'm praying for a good year next year. (maybe a bigger and prettier house will make up for it)

AM Photography:

This part is going GREAT. I have been creating beautiful images and truly enjoying every second of it. One of my school friends, Valerie gave me the honor of shooting her engagement pictures which turned out amazing. Because of that, I am now going to get to shoot her bridal portraits. I am so elated and excited to get some rockin pictures! (she is gorgeous) Last weekend, I was supposed to shoot some of the Post little league teams but that got postponed because of weather. So, on May 30, I will be shooting individual and team pictures for 17 teams. WOW! That will be a crazy day..but hopefully a big PAYDAY!

The Big Move:

This weekend, Mike and I will be moving all of our belongings into storage and moving in with my in-laws. I am glad to be getting out of this tiny house but sad that we don't have our own place to call home. We are so grateful to Mike's parents for taking us in and are looking forward to living mortgage free for a few months. It is definitely going to help the down payment situation!

Babies:

Monica (sis in law) is expecting a baby boy in September! She won't tell us the name but we are really excited that they will be living here so we can see the kids all the time!

Erin (my sis) is expecting a baby boy in October! YAY! This is the first boy in our family and we could not be any happier. His name is Cullen Howard Shanks. I can't wait! I get to go to Ft. Worth in June to help Erin decorate his nursery. It will be different but way fun to buy BOY stuff! If anything...It will be a new adventure for both of us! Oh, and Cullen will have the best BIG SISTER ever!!!

US: We have put off trying until we have a house to live in. I really don't want to be pregnant and living with my in laws and they dont want that either, Im sure! We are not trying not to get pregnant but not trying to either! (if that makes sense).

So all in all...life is CRAZY. But what a blessing to have a healthy and happy family! We know that whatever comes our way, our love for each other and for the Lord will see us through! Now, all I have to do is update this blog more and all will be well. Until next time........