The Next Ewen 6 Expedition Begins

My mind still hasn't completely figured out how to process the last 7 days.  There really are no explanations, therefore I have yet to figure out a good definition, but it sure is the next Ewen 6 Expedition...

It all started with a wonderful weekend.  I was able to get away and spend an amazing weekend on Newman lake with the women from my church.  Then TJ and I topped it all off with running our very first 1/2 marathon together.  It was such a great experience and we plan on doing another this fall, if not sooner!
And then, it hit.  TJ was called in at work where he was told that he and 30 others were being laid off.  SAY WHAT!?!?!? (didn't expect that did you? Well, neither did we!)

So TJ's last day of work will be in Mid June, and after that....well, we really have no idea.  What we do know:  God love us and will take care of us.  And already He has.  From the moment the news came out, our friends and family flooded to our side with offers to lay down all they had, for whatever we may need.  Not a single question asked, just love.
I believe the Apostles in Acts are an amazing example of this type of love my family is experiencing:

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."  Acts 4:32-34

We are blessed to be in community among those who are so like minded.  And this is not at all limited to those who are in my church; this is also neighbors, family, friends near and far, and familiar shop owners.  While the future is unsure, we know it is bright and full of anything and everything we will need.  We will NOT go wanting.  We have no fears of this.  How much I wish the whole world knew that kind of love.

Even when my tooth began to throb the day after "the news" and we discovered a root canal and crown were in order, we were humbled by generosity and God's perfect timing.  Thank goodness it happened now while we still have a few more weeks of insurance, right!?

Am I upset about anything? YES! My husband put his everything into his work and getting that job.  My heart breaks for him to have to lose it.  Do I want to collect unemployment and food stamps and all that? Nope!  But I will.  I pray I will become more humble.
We have no idea what job TJ will find or how long until we find the one that will support our 4 children.  I pray I will become more trusting.
I pray I become less selfish.
I pray I become more thankful.
I pray others will see God's presence in our life.

Thank you to all who love us and have invested in our lives.  Know we will lay down our lives for you, too.

The Ewen 6

There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe...

While I might not be old, and I don't think I live in a Shoe (despite what the smells might try to suggest), I can't help but think of this little old lady when I look out on my front lawn and see things like this...

This is a VERY typical after-school, Ewen home experience.  And that picture doesn't include the children who walked over to my house without a bike.  I love it most days, I want to pull my hair out others, and I find that saying things like, "I'm not the neighborhood Snack Machine!" is becoming a little too normal.  I think it's pretty cool though, that my children have the opportunity to have lots of fun with the other kids in the neighborhood on a regular basis.  I like that I know they are safe in my home, and when they aren't here, that the other parents are loving my kids the same way.  The difference between me and that crazy little old lady... I get to tell all those bikes to "go home" eventually! =) I know they'll be back tomorrow though! And I love it.

CELEBRATE!

This week marks a monumental occurance; TJ was not only able to switch to day shifts, but for the next four months, he also has off EVERY weekend and EVERY Monday AND every other Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm not sure if anyone else will realize how amazing this is, but let me just tell you, IT IS AMAZING!!!!!!  Ever since TJ and I have been together, over 5 years now, we have never had a regular work schedule.  He's never had weekends off, he's never worked a normal morning-evening shift, and honestly, we have never really cared too much.  But now we have this super cute "little" family, and we miss him, a lot.  His night shift work may mean that he is home, but he is in bed.  The poor guys has to sleep some time! And on his days off, my big kiddos are still in school, so they never have a full day to see their dad.  There is litterally only a few hours a week where all of us are together.  But this has been so normal that it we have all just learned to adapt and be happy with the way things are.  As you know though, weekends are hard for me sometimes.  When everyone else is with their families, I am at home by myself trying to keep four kids happy.  And I'm sure my kids would love to go do fun stuff on their days off from school, but it really just isn't possible for me to do all by myself.  BUT....TJ IS HOME!
I just can't wait for this summer.  We can invite people over, we can plan weekend camping trips (we already have a few on the calendar, anyone else want to join??), visit family, and PLAY.  Sweet sweetness.  I know these four months will eventually come to an end, but I'm not going to focus on that right now.  I'm just going to love the moments we have and are going to be able to create.  I hope Spokane is ready for the Ewen's....ALL of them! =)