Sick baby girl

 Well we finally decided to take Elliana to the church nursery last Sunday. It was her first time getting to be all big and stay with all the other babies. I think she did well, but she sure is sick now. :( She caught a really nasty cold and has been puny since Tuesday. I swear her snot faucet is on full blast! The poor baby has so much snot she can't breathe correctly. She has to sleep with her mouth open and it's really difficult for her to eat when she can't breathe through her nose. She's also got a mean old cough, but at least the fever she had Tuesday and Wednesday is gone. Those darn suction bulbs you have to use are next to barbaric and she understandably hates them! She's none to fond of the saline drops either. Sigh. I know she's going to get sick pleanty, all kids do, but I'm not sure she'll be going back to the nursery anytime too soon. Sure she needs to build up her immune system, but I think it would be a little easier on her if she were a bit older. Anyhow, I'm sure she'll slowly start to lick this cold. I just hate seeing her so miserable.
 In other news, my sister Amy is coming for a visit next week! I'm excited to have her come up...it'll be the first time she's gotten to come to Clarksville. Actually, I'm thinking she's only got to visit me and Bryson once the whole time we've been married! Albany Georgia is just too darn far away! Of course she was in Kuwait part of that time too (definitely a little far for a visit). She has recently gotten into dog showing with her English bulldog; so that's what's helping to bring her this way. Looks like Elliana and I will be attending our first dog show! One of Amy's buddies and my oldest niece, Daly, will get to come as well! I really hate that I don't get to see her and Addie (Daly's sister who was born 17 days before Elliana) more often. Oh speaking of Addie, she's coming a little later on with my sister Amberly too! It's going to be an exciting week starting Thursday!
  Bryson has heard back on the first job he interviewed for and found that he didn't get it. We are still waiting on news about the second job. He checked on it yesterday and was told that no decision has been made as of yet, and that they are shifting a lot of positions around in that particular group and may have even more than one job opening. He should be hearing something one way or another soon. I know he will be very disappointed if he doesn't get it because he's eager to get back toward Chattanooga. Hopefully something will work out, but we know it's all in God's hands and he knows the best plan. I've heard it compared to a huge parade once. It's like God is in a blimp and can see the entire parade (of our lives) from start to finish. We, on the other hand, can only see the portion that's right in front of us. We have to just trust God knows what's coming up and he's got everything under control.
   Oh goodie! I just checked my bank balance online and our tax refund is in! We are getting to completely pay off Bryson's Alabama student loan!!! This is such a HUGE relief and we are so thankful to God! We will still have a debt with Auburn from his finance degree, but the intrerest rate was locked in at like 2.2 %. That's why we've been really trying to pay down the Alabama loan since the interest rate was more like 7%! Debt is just something we want no part of, so we have been putting as much money toward these loans as possible. It's great to be ALMOST debt free!! However, at about the time we think we'll pay off the Auburn debt  it'll be time to build a house. Bummer. I'm sure we will diligently work on that debt as well when the time comes. I guess debt is just a part of life.
  The weather for today and this weekend is supposed to be nice. I'm looking forward to some warmer temps. and lots of sunshine! Hopefully, Elliana will feel well enough by tomorrow to go for a short hike with me and Bryson. We love getting outdoors and I, for one, could really use the exercise! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Even though it was chilly last weekend, we went for a hike since it was so pretty. Not sure how much exercise Elliana got though.....:)

They have a little museum at the state park where we hiked. I thought these opossums would look a little better with a cute baby next to them. They are so creepy looking!