Going Up

I've posted a few times on all the overwhelming aspects of life that have struck us this year.

So, now, I think it is appropriate to point out the abundance of things that are currently going well for us. It appears that the tide has shifted. The blessings are outweighing the burdens. I'm coming up for air...

• Employment: The Referee's new job is a good one. Good company. Nice coworkers. More autonomy to set his own schedule and work flow. In addition, the company appears to be stable enough to keep him working, which is a great relief. If all goes well, his paychecks should show up direct deposit soon. Ah, stability.
• My new job has been a great blessing in that it helped us make ends meet while The Referee was between jobs. I had initially sought work as a means to pay off medical bills, followed by paying off all of our consumer debt as fast as possible. Instead, my paychecks have paid the mortgage and kept food on the table. Very important! Now that The Referee's job situation is stabilizing, I am looking forward to tackling that debt with each of my paydays.

• Health: Jersey #2 is fully recovered from heart surgery, healthy, and growing. Praise God! It looks like The Referee has found a great combination of antidepressants to stabilize his depression. Working on those constant negative thoughts is a tough job, but he is definitely strong enough to win that fight. His whole demeanor has improved. It is amazing how much better he "looks" as he begins to "feel" better. He's even been smiling again.

• School: The older 3 kids are doing well in their studies. Jersey #3 is reading simple, 3-letter words. The Referee is enrolled in a Master's Certificate Program, making excellent grades.
  

• Life Stuff: We have a working vehicle. We have a home. We have heat. Our plumbing works. We have plenty of food. We are surrounded by friends and family.
  

• Extras: We have been able to enjoy a few family outings. We have been able to sign the kids up for basketball this winter, and science classes for the Spring semester. I was approved to take a day off work, the night of The Referee's company Christmas party, which is at a steak house (instead of a hotel ballroom)....plus our babysitter is in town that night, which makes it an official DATE NIGHT!