Oil in the jar

Update on Doug's job loss / projects gained

On May 1st, Doug will have been without a corporate job for a year. During this year, God has blessed us in so many ways! We're so fortunate to have a roof over our heads, food on the table and so many other immeasurable blessings. We worked hard to pay-off our mini-van and have one last pesky debt to pay off, before we REALLY tackle the mortgage, Dave Ramsey-style. (We would actually be able to pay off this pesky debt, if we knew Doug's job situation were more certain, but are holding off for now... we do mean business! :-) . I tell people that I liken our finances to the story in the Bible about the widow with the jar of oil (1 Kings 17). God is good.

Truthfully, I thought Doug losing his job would be the worst thing that could ever happen to our family. I'm not sure why I thought that, but I did. (I have since changed my mind on that...) It turns out that the months leading up to Doug losing his job were more nerve-wracking than the months afterward. The "absolute" nature of Doug losing his job allowed us to almost breathe a sigh of relief. We always wondered when it would happen to him. It seemed like the hatchet was coming down at the end of 2008. We buckled down and prepared... Ironically, he found out on April Fools' Day 2009. His last day worked was May 1, 2009.

In the past, when I heard of people without jobs for a year or so, my jaw would drop. I couldn't fathom how anyone could survive financially for that amount of time. Now I do. And we're fine. In fact, we're better than fine.

Within the year of Doug's unemployment, he has found various side projects to keep him busy and create income. It has been challenging; we took the kids out of day care as we couldn't justify the expense with Doug being at home and available. The day care was kind enough to let the kids attend, 1-2 days a week, free of charge, on a scholarship through the end of 2009. An answered prayer! This freed up Doug to concentrate on searching for a job without the kids underfoot. With the scholarship "running out" after Christmas, Doug started watching them full-time. It was a long three (plus) months. :-) It isn't coincidence that blog entries were far fewer from January 2010 until now...

We had lots of family time, but it was more challenging for me to work from home. Doug also wasn't able to work on income-producing projects until the kids went to bed at night, when (as he will admit) he isn't at his sharpest. This due to the physical nature of watching kids all day. So, his official "work shift" was often from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Doug says he actually looks forward to working a full-time job, because he thinks he will have less work to do. I think I would have to agree with this statement! He has balanced side projects, watching the kids when I'm working, and the lawn-mowing / house-upkeep activities better than anyone could. From January through April 9, his day consisted of numerous job applications, resume rewrites, some job interviews, lots of phone calls, spaghettios, dirty diapers, wiping up kid messes and playing referee. He works tirelessly to make sure we're taken care of, even though he's not working in an office setting. He has definitely rolled with the punches. We have all adjusted.

I'm also thankful for all of the years I hustled at my job. Compounded raises from the earlier years (before the economy tanked) have helped us to a spot where we could practically live on my salary alone. I say that thankfully, and knowing only God could've purposed this to happen.

During Doug's corporate work hiatus, Doug and the kids have really bonded. I saw Liam grow so close to Doug. Ava seemed to seek out my attention, as she knew I was home, but couldn't spend time with her (as I was working). I'm sure the "working-from-home" concept is a hard one for a then three-year old to understand. It was tough to be able to balance giving the kids the attention they needed, as well as attending to my job duties. We had some special times where I was able to spend nights out with Ava, just doing Mommy and daughter stuff (dollar movies, McDonald's play place, etc). I cherish those moments. I think she did, too.

As of April 12th, the kids are back in day care. Doug has a project he is working on that requires his full attention. We can now justify the cost associated with day care. It's been a nice change for everyone, I think. Routine is good. I pray that this is able to continue. Ava enjoys the social aspects of her school friends and learning. Liam gets to play with other kids and new toys. Bonus! I do think they enjoy it. The day care has been like family to us, so it is nice for the kids to see everyone there again.

In the meantime, Doug is working VERY hard on this project. (I will expound upon it in a later blog post.) I am able to work on "work" uninterrupted. When we do spend our time together, we're fresh and really enjoy our family time.

Doug's side projects, to date
John and Christy Craig's house - "the fort"
Debbie Bolt's addition plans
Nancy Holman's tile
David Strickland's basement plans
Parker and Macy Babb's new house plans
Gary and Becky McNabb / Indian Hills couple's home in North Georgia
Kimmel Residence / Buckhead bathroom remodel (Ray)
Buckhead house remodel (upcoming)

Thank you, God, for carrying us during this past year. I pray that other people can see how much God has blessed us, during a time that could've otherwise been traumatic. He works in mysterious ways. (When we decided to refinish our bathroom and ordered the countertop, the owner of the countertop store was looking for an architect. He then threw a referral Doug's way). God sheltered us, and I firmly believe protected and "cushioned" us during this time. He led our decisions and thoughts. I pray we continue to seek his guidance and rely on Him for sustenance.

Doug, I love you eternally. I am so proud to be your wife! You've got grit and have shown it, especially during the past year. I know you will be rewarded for your efforts! You have never waivered and have more patience than anyone I know. I'm so thankful to have you by my side and have such a loving family. We are immensely blessed.

All, know we are well and happy and enjoying everything Spring has to offer right now (sunshine, digging in dirt, playing with flowers, taking allergy meds!). Now, to catch up on four months of missing blog posts! :-)

Peace, love and catching up!
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam