I would truly appreciate your prayers as Ryan and I make a big decision in the next few weeks. Ryan has been offered a position at Maranantha Baptist Bible College (in Wisconsin) as the Sports Information Director (SID). Ryan's old coach from Pillsbury is a coach at MBBC now and thought of Ryan instantly when they began thinking of finding an SID. We actually met the Athletic Director 2 years ago when we were considering taking this position. We ended up not taking the job, but now it is on the table again. Ryan is their first choice, which is very flattering. This job would be perfect for Ryan - he eventually wants to be a college Athletic Director. We weren't sure if we could even consider taking this position because we thought the pay would be less than what he is making now. Well, Ryan asked the AD a bunch of questions, and here are the answers: they will pay him about what he is making currently, the school will pay for ALL of our health insurance (all 3 of us!), and they will pay for Ryan's Masters degree! Currently, we are paying for our own health insurance plans and it is draining us every month. We also can't afford for Ryan to go to grad school. We were both dumbfounded when we heard all that they would do for us. Now, we have to make certain that this is what the Lord has for us. My mom is taking this very hard. Right now my parents are only 4 hours from us, and my mom comes up every 2-3 weeks now that Olivia is here. She is extremely attached to Olivia and would be devestated being that far away from her. She knows this is probably a good move for the three of us, but she is so sad. And of course I'm sad about being that far away from my family as well. I would love to have Olivia grow up around her grandparents, but I honestly think this move would be the best thing for our family (Ryan, Olivia, and me). It would give Ryan the opportunity to learn the ropes in a college athletic department, he would be able to work alongside several very godly men, he would be able to get his masters degree in hopes of eventually becoming a college AD, and we would be saving so much money with the health insurance benefit. Our heads are telling us to take the job. But our hearts are pulling us here. So, please pray for us. It's a big decision - exciting and scary. I know God is in control, and wherever He leads us will be wonderful. But it's so hard to give up all the control to Him and then just wait. Thank you for your prayers. I'll let you know what transpires in the next few weeks.

I thought I'd be able to get so much more done around here now that I'm a "stay at home mom", but I think I'm busier now than when I was working! I love it though. I can't imagine having to leave Olivia and going back to work. She is 2 months old now and is starting to get less grouchy - thank goodness! Here are a few of our latest pictures. The first picture was taken when she was 6 weeks old. I was able to snap several good smiley pictures before she started crying. :) The second picture was taken yesterday before we headed to our final baby shower at Ryan's school. My mom came up this week and brought Olivia that adorable dress. And the last picture is of Olivia in an outfit that I wore when I was around her age.

We are heading to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving this year. I can't wait to see my family! Both of my brothers and their families, as well as my Grandma and parents, will be there. This will be the first time my brothers' families and my Grandma have seen Olivia. It should be a very fun time - with lots of people to spoil the babes. :) I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!