This is more for personal memory than anything else, but read on if you'd like.

The past couple of weeks Patrick and I have been struggling a bit financially. Basically, after receiving our tax return, we thought we had more than we did, and after we took care of various financial obligations, things were tight. Super tight. Negative tight.

Waiting 2 weeks for the next paycheck was not looking pretty with leftover hard-boiled eggs and Ramen. (okay, okay, we did have some frozen veggies...) But it was grim. Not deathly, but unfortunate.

ANYWAYS. A certain Alfredo Gregory* (name has been changed to protect the blesser) stopped by for a piece of cake (okay, we did have cake, too...) and informed us there just happened to be a stellar sale at Albertsons. On everything. Many, many grocery bags later, Alfredo left and Patrick and I were overwhelmed. In the good way. Chicken, Hamburger, veggies, fruit, bread, milk, eggs, cereal, cheese, and a few delicious treats fill our fridge.

We weren't ever feeling desperate or sorry for ourselves,but this was a Major, Major blessing. We really cant express how incredibly grateful we are for those who look beyond themselves and seek for ways to help others. We don't have much financially to share, but we do try to help others through other ways. We hope that we can be more like these good people as our situation changes in giving of ourselves and our substance. And in the meantime, we hope to use the resources we do have to help others in ways that we can.

We will probably never be wealthy with money, but we (as cheesy at it sounds) feel so rich with blessings. We have a wonderful marriage and a perfect son. We have been blessed to bring another baby into our home in a few months. We attend a great school, and Patrick has steady employment. We have wonderful family and friends nearby. And we certainly are a bajillion times better off than our parents were! (mom riding a bike in the winter with Varden bundled up in the newspaper basket in the front....sheesh.)

You always hear about miracles that occur when you pay your tithing, are faithful, etc. and I've always credited it to God reaching down and fixing things or whatever. It really has hit home that we are the instruments in His hands. We need to be attentive and alert to the Spirit so that Heavenly Father can use US to bless others. Hm. It's been a good lesson.

We are so grateful. We love you. Thanks Alfredo and everyone who has and continues to help and bless us.

p.s. We love the strawberry milkshake oreos! :D