Never say never...

I've had a lot of things on my mind lately. On Thursday, one of the Chiefs at my command told me the advancement exam results would be out Friday. I was pretty excited since I have a LOT riding on this exam. (I only have 1 more shot to stay in the Navy if I don't promote this time) I woke Friday pretty happy and light. I just felt like good things were coming my way. I woke up on time (!), got Samuel ready, and took homemade mint chocolate chip cookies and biscuits 'n gravy to work to feed my coworkers. I had a conversation with my Mom in the car on the way, and I just wanted to record a few things so I don't forget.

* I never wanted to have kids... until I met Jacob and decided "That man needs to be a Daddy."
* I swore I'd never go to Japan... and had an amazingly smooth transition across the water, spent 2 years there, and consider it the best tour of my career.
* I only saw myself having a little girl... and God opened my heart to an amazing son who I couldn't imagine life without.
* I was told (in 2001) I'd have to reenlist to become a Parachute Rigger... and found out around Thanksgiving that I got accepted to go to PR school. (and didn't have to wait until 2004)
* I was told that getting orders to Oceana wouldn't happen... and I got orders there.
* And when people said there's no way I'd go to Norfolk... I got transferred.
* And when those SAME people said "You can't work in 800 Division. Your husband works down there and you can't be in the same division."... and I found out this past Friday that next Tuesday I'm going down to 800 Division AND my husband will indirectly be my boss. Unheard of in the Navy.

So many things, and I know God's hand was in them all. I am so blessed. The test results didn't come out, but I still had a great day. I've given a lot of thought to being a stay at home Mom. That is not my choice. I love to work and I love where I"m at career-wise, time in the Navy, and where I sit with a paycheck. But I don't know what's going to happen next. Only HE does. And I've come to accepted that. I don't know what HE wants me to do. I have to wait to find out. But whatever it is, it will be the right decision for our family. I just have to remember to breathe.

I processed this post while rocking Samuel to sleep a little bit ago, and I didn't want to forget anything.

Thank you to everyone who's been praying for me. So much to think about right now- staying in the Navy, Jacob's upcoming deployment schedule, staying at home full time, our money situation, our mortgage, the new car, Baby #2 (in the future), etc. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.

~Ashley