Happy Birthday, Shelby!

happy birthday, sweet shelby!

I am filled with all kinds of emotions today!  Today is Shelby's first birthday and I had to have a post especially for her!  

For those of you whose presence she hasn't graced...Shelby is by far one of the sweetest, cuddliest babies I have ever had the pleasure of taking care of!  It was by God's own design that He brought the Carpenters and me to each other earlier this year in February.  He delivered me from an almost unbearable situation and gave me one of the most amazing "jobs" I could have asked for.  I have always loved working with children, and it feels like I have raised a few myself!  After meeting with the Carpenters for the first time, I will always remember how it felt to hold barely 3-month-old Shelby and I knew this was all meant to be!  If you ask Allie her side of the story, she will tell you the same thing!  She had procrastinated in finding a nanny, and after filing through care.com, she saw a message from me and knew that I was the fit for them.  All it took was a few phone conversations and one meeting, and there I was! It was the perfect fit.  I have always called Allie my "Princess Charming"--Thank you for rescuing me!!

 I have a lump in my throat writing all this, but watching Shelby grow and being a part of her everyday life was and still is one of the biggest joys I have.  I'll say it again, she gives Justin and I unrealistic expectations about children!  She is one of the most easy-going, friendly, smiley, and fun babies we have ever been around!  Justin and I decided that if there were in fact guarantees in life, and we were guaranteed a baby like Shelby, we would have one TOMORROW.  She has brought so much joy and laughter into my life.  And it's not only Shelby.  Her two amazing parents have been so encouraging and wonderful to get to know.  How many of you can say that your boss is probably one of your best friends?? We took trips together...dressed shelby up in numerous outfits, went shopping in Mebane just for the heck of it...and on and on.  Dave and Allie are friends I know we will have for a long time, especially now that we are staying in Raleigh and are the fun married babysitters :)

I love you Shelby girl, I will miss spending every day with you! You will forever be in my heart and one of the most special people in my life! Can't wait to watch you grow even more.  You are loved more than you will ever know! Love, Molly and Justin

They love each other...

A New Chapter, A New Season

A beautiful start to the season!

You're probably wondering what in the world we are doing and where we are going to live!
I was living in that state for the past 8 months as Justin was out of work.  Gotta remember, God doesn't usually work quickly! At least not with me! He takes time with His own, shaping and molding them, and sometimes testing them to make sure they are listening.

Everything with moving to Greensboro seemed to be falling into place...until about a month ago.  Justin got an email from the company he was applying to work for saying that his application had been denied.  DENIED?! He was over 99% sure he would get this position.  We knew the right people, he had more than enough skill and experience...etc.  But this door, God closed.  I had a job lining up with a wonderful church there that seemed almost too good to be true!  As soon as I opened myself up to that job there, more opportunities became available to me here in Raleigh.  It was something I noticed and just kept tucked away in the back of my mind when I heard God whisper to me "I'm not done with the two of you here, yet."

We are called to trust and obey, right? So we didn't put limits for jobs on a city or region, or even a field of work.  We gave it all over, and it's amazing what happened when we did.  I was offered a job by Chanel (!!!!) at the #1 counter in the mid-atlantic!  I desperately wanted to be in this field, being able to interact with all kinds of people, mainly non-believers, and expanding my cosmetic skill.  God knows just what He's doing!  Soon after, Justin received a job offer from a company here that a childhood friend of his works for.  It is a great job, downtown (so exciting!), and with a steady income!  We are so beyond thankful for this! So with these two new jobs, here is what we have prayed and planned for this next year: we will be staying in our current apartment lease for another 6 months, and hopefully buying a house here in Raleigh after that. There's the info you were all waiting for :)

Opportunities in our beloved Summit Church seemed to open up almost daily.  I had the amazing opportunity of helping to lead worship at a women's conference, and Justin and I both helped lead worship for college students interested in missions.  We are ALL-IN for the mission of God not only financially, but in our time and talents.  It never feels like work to me! Only a blessing, to be able to bless others.  **We are also serving on the worship team for the Christmas services that Summit is holding, and its going to be amazing! This Christmas, the services will be held at DPAC......YES, I SAID DPAC!**

Here's the dates and times for the services, make your plans now! Justin will be playing drums and singing in gang vocals, and I will be singing a special song, and in various other parts of the program.  TRUST, you do NOT want to miss this!!

December 23: services at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 5:00pm
December 24: services at 2:00pm and 5:00pm

Get in touch with me for more information! This church and the people here are so special to me, and all I want to do is spread the word!

A sweet post coming on Thursday :)

m o l l y