1 YEAR

Thanks so much to all of you who have stood by me this past year. I have been blessed with so many great blog friends! As many of you know I was laid off in November of 08 from a job I loved. This was the beginning of many problems. When I lost my job I also lost my medical insurance which meant I had no idea how I was going to pay for all of Ray's rejection medicines. Then there was rent, utilities, truck payment and groceries. Unemployment only goes so far and Ray was just not able to keep a job one because of his health and two because of the economy. I just felt like my life was spinning out of control.

My life has really changed since that November. The first thing we did as a family is go to Church. Tammy from Country Girl at Home inspired me to make that decision. Thank you Tammy! It was the beginning of many blessing. We were able to get Ray's medicines through programs based on our income or lack of I should say! As the months went by and the lack of a steady income we decided not to renew our lease. It was very hard to leave a home we had lived in for 7 years. We had so many great neighbors and I still miss them! It was a hard decision but we knew it was the best one at the time. So one year ago we gave up our home put our things in storage and moved with my Mom. Another blessing a roof over our heads. Not long after we moved Ray started having issues with his legs hurting an ultra sound proved he has blockages in his legs. It was advised he get back on disability. I finally got a job last June as many of you remember I hated it! Things are much better still not the job of my dreams but it's a lot better. So within a few months we had insurance but getting Ray's Social Security didn't not come as easily. Seemed like once we got over one hurdle another was waiting.

I became so depressed and cried all the time. I just didn't think we would ever see the light at the end of the tunnel. I quit doing things with friends and just stuck to myself. As time went on things got better and easier. I could see a dim light trying to peek through.

In March we paid off our truck. Also in March Ray received his first disability check. They are reviewing his case to determine if he will be reinstated permanently. We will take what we can get and call it another blessing. We got back a decent tax refund this year which we put up to move. Yet another blessing. I am happy to report another HUGE BLESSING we will be moving JUNE 1! Yes, you read it right we are finally moving. We found a rancher like I wanted and Eleni will get to stay at the same High School.

I can not wait to post pictures and decorate. I am so exited and feeling very blessed. I am hoping this is many of new Happier post. Once again THANKS for sticking by me this past year!

Donna