still waiting and writing...

Well no official word from the VA yet but I am feeling good about this one. They have checked my references which usually is a sign that they are going to make a job offer. I at least hope so. But even if the lady did get all my references in on Friday, the VA is so slow in making a job offer I still might not hear anything for a while. But I am optimistic.

Trying to write on the dissertation today as Mamaw Teresa is here to help watch our little bug. Eliza is so funny. She loves to clap and sing and loves the song "Chicken Fried" and moves her head to the music everytime she hears it. She is pretty cool. Plus she is crawling big time now. That makes me realize how unbaby proof our house is as she has absolutely no fear. She loves our dogs too and any kind of dog or cat or animal that she sees. She giggles and claps.

waiting on a job...

Well I got a call from Mountain States today to interview for a job as an Outpatient counselor at Indian Path Pavillion in Kingsport. I am interviewing on June 30th. They seemed really nice on the phone. I am still partial to the VA jobs (better pay and benefits) but I will take what I can get. I applied for that one online. I am still waiting to hear something back from the VA. They are notoriously slow.

Other than that me and Eliza are hanging out. She is trying to crawl but mostly seems to go backwards for now and adds a roll in there when she gets stuck. She has pulled herself up a couple of times and really really wants to walk. We watched the CMT video awards last night and we sat with Eliza in the middle of us, everytime music played she danced and laughed and we had the best time ever. Can't wait to take that kid to the Carter Fold...I am blessed. Can't wait to see what little Booth number 2 is like. If it's a girl that will be awesome, if it is a boy that will be awesome as well. Either way our little family is so much fun.

A lot of people try to still your joy saying things like "wait till she walks" or "two is crazy" or whatever. But Eliza is a true gift from God, one I thought I would never see.

Psalm 40 says:
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

I wouldn't trade my years of waiting for one little day with Kristen or this new little bug of mine. Things work out in God's time and so far His seems much better to me than mine.

Booth, Party of four....

Guess who's coming to dinner..around January 9?
Yes it will be Booth party of four. We are right at about 10 weeks but we couldn't wait to tell. The heartbeat is strong at 174. Everything looks good so far.

I am so excited about this Father's day. And I couldn't be more excited that technically I am already a Daddy for the second time. I already love that next little bug just as much. Some of God's best gifts are unplanned...Can't wait.

Now if I could only get a job...:)

We have come a long way...

I know it has only been 9 months but it seems a lifetime ago that we first brought our little cuddle bug home. It is so weird to take a look at these pictures as she seems so tiny and she was eight pounds.

And now we see a little girl who loves to clap, laugh, sing and yes even dance.

we are very blessed...

Hanging with Eliza..

Well I had an interview with the Rogersville VA office on Friday. I think it went well but I won't know anything for a couple of weeks. I have also applied for a few teaching jobs in Sullivan County and one in Kingsport. I would really like to have a job for the fall.

In the meantime here are some pics of the Graduation weekend in Lee County.
Eliza loved Aunt Katie.



our little family.


Teresa in the back and Nell's momma and daddy in the front. and of course Kristen.

Here is a picture of my day. Love that kid.

The Weekend..

We went to Lee County this weekend to see Aunt Eden graduate and Eliza's cousin Ross graduate from high school. We also celebrated Eliza's favorite cousins Jacob and Jessica's graduation from high school. It was fun. We also got to see Mamaw Teresa, Jacob, Jessica, Uncles Aaron and Arlis and Aunt Katie. Eliza loved Katie and would follow her with her eyes when she left the room.

I spent a lot of the weekend working on Mamaw Teresa's lights around her house. Then on Friday night Aaron and Katie cooked steak for us. It was a great late night snack.

On Saturday we went to the first of our graduation parties. Mamaw Teresa threw this party for Ross, Jacob and Jessica. Lots of food, family, and fun.

Then on Sunday after a good meal at the Patio Drive in--Kristen's favorite we went to graduation and watched Ross and Eden graduate.

Eliza was looking to see who she knew at the graduation.





Aunt Eden getting her diploma.



Eliza cheering for her.





Later on Sunday evening at Papaw and Nana's we had a big time cookout with lots of good food and Eliza enjoyed hanging out with Papaw. She even went swimming. She got to see Uncle Josh too and of course loved to smile at him despite the fact he likes the University of Florida. Have no fear although she is holding a diet coke bottle, we didn't let her drink any. It was a fun weekend.

Eliza's new skill

She can actually do it to the beat of the music as well.

Waiting..

Well I did get a letter in the mail today telling me that I did not get the VA job that I interviewed for. But another one just popped up and so I took my application by for that one as at the VA you have to individually apply for every single job. Very tedious to resubmit all that. Is it any wonder our government spends so much money? I also still have yet another interview for a job at the Rogersville VA office on Friday. I still get paid till August but I would so love knowing I have a job to help provide for my family. Apparently I have heard that you usually have to interview several times as the jobs are very competitive.



On the lighter side...here is a video of little Eliza Mae at the beach. I know parents are annoying that seem to just love their kids so much. But truthfully I do. I think she is so funny and most of the time really really good. And she gets so excited when she sees me. I love my wife more than anyone but there is something different and special about the love of a little girl for her daddy. God has been far better to me than I deserve. My girls are so wonderful.