So... after saying "I do" only a year ago, we found ourselves celebrating our anniversary in a completely different state no where close to the Carolina coast. Our anniversary weekend was perfect! It started out with a leisurely bike on the lakefront path in downtown Chicago. After retiring from the beautiful bike ride, we rested and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the famous Harey Carey's in the Navy Pier area. Our day of excursions was concluded by a breath taking view of the city on a tall ship. The evening, though, was the most perfect part of the trip. We started out with drinks at the top of the John Hancock building and then enjoyed dinner just one floor below at a window table. We were lucky enough to view part of the lake as well as the Navy Pier. Fortunately for us, there were fireworks scheduled for later that night so we purposefully extended our dinner so that we could view the fireworks from above. It was spectacular and I'll never forget all the effort my husband put into making it an unforgettable first anniversary together.

After all the fun, reality began to set in that I wasn't leaving and I did have a somewhat of a rough week last week. I was very homesick and I wasn't having any luck securing a job. I have decided to be a nanny while we are here. I was turned down by three families and this was not only discouraging but it was very stressful because Josh and I both need to work. We have been living in the Dave Ramsey world since the beginning of 2009 when we went through Financial Peace University together. During that time, we have been able to save, save and save some more. This is a wonderful feeling and if you haven't taken the course, you should! It will set you free and Josh and I will never be bound by a creditor again. Although it has been helpful for us to build up this sound nest egg, I tend to take it too far sometimes and refuse to "borrow" from our savings if we legitimately need it and this usually doesn't go over very well.

So, to make a long story short, I was really depressed last week and wanted to move back to South Carolina and felt like we would never make it financially here in this great state of Illinois, but God came through! I received six different nanny offers last week and have accepted the one I think was meant to be all along! I'm feeling much better about everything and Josh and I celebrated today by eating out! We haven't been out to eat since my mom left and he's been dying to have a chicken hero from Nicky's. It was definitely worth the wait.

I hope you enjoy reading about life here so far. I'll be back soon to update you again.... It's time for me to finish my chores for the day.