Sunday, November 30, 2008

This week in a nut shell....

It's only taken me three days to give a Thanksgiving update.

Cameron and I had a great day (Cole wasn't feeling well). We spent the afternoon at my Aunts house with my side of the family. We ate too much and had some wonderful pies. Cameron was well behaved and entertained himself (he's the first grandchild and the only for quite some time).

I faced the crowds Friday morning for a pair of $4 pajamas for Cameron. Christmas will be small as we are stretched very tight and thin with all of Cole's medical bills....at least Cameron will have some new jammies!

Saturday we put up our Christmas lights. I love this time of year. I am excited to pull our Christmas decorations out of the garage and decorate the inside of the house....that's happening later this week.

Then today. We have started a new family night. The adults are getting together in the evening to study scripture and talks by general authorities. It has been neat to come together and hear each others thoughts and interpretations of certain things.

Well I'm off for bed.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

This year is a little different for me.

Every Thanksgiving, in the past, as far back as I remember I have spent thanksgiving with my Dad....at least most of it. This year he's in Kansas with his family, I will miss him .

Our plans are, I'm sure, just like the rest of yours....eating a big feast. Cameron and I (and maybe Cole, too) will be going to my Aunts house where we will spend the afternoon with my mom's side of the family.

I'm sure your expecting a list of things I'm grateful for so I will give you a small, short and sweet one. I have so much I'm thankful for, so many wonderful blessings...but these are the one's I'm thinking of at the moment:

  • My wonderful family (including extended family). I am blessed to have in-laws that I love and to feel welcomed.

  • I am thankful for a wonderful place to live, there's something to be said for living in the home in which you spend most of your childhood. I love everything about this house.

  • I am thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am thankful for the missionaries that serve through out the world, helping people like us understand the gospel and come to know our Savior and Heavenly Father. I am thankful for my ward, our wonderful bishop and the people I serve with in my calling. I am thankful for the Prophet and Apostles. I am thankful for our Stake President and his beautiful family.

  • I'm thankful for my wonderful friends.

Like I said there are countless other things I am grateful for.

I challenged a sister I visit teach this month to make a list of the things she is grateful for and told her to place it somewhere she would see it often. When she sees it she should read it, it might just help to brighten her day.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Dentist....

It went well! I was pleasantly surprised. After filling out the paper work we were of course ushered back to a room. Cameron was not going to sit in the chair so he sat on my lap in the chair. The dentist was patient and talked with Cameron for a minute. He then coerced him into opening his mouth....with out screaming (yay!!). Everything looked great (good news always makes me happy!!). The sweet hygienist then tried to paint fluoride onto his teeth and he wasn't having that. I think she managed to get it on his lips and maybe his two front teeth...but there still wasn't much screaming! The best part, We don't have to go back until next November!!!

On another happy note, Cameron went #2 in his potty chair last night. I don't think he's quite ready for potty training but it's a start.

Okay, one more happy note....He has (suddenly) started saying some new words this week. His favorite is Apple. He also said happy, bite and my daddy (he been saying daddy for about a year now but never with my in front of it). I feel like we are making progress and hoping that when January comes I don't have to call the doctor for that speech therapist referral.

I am going to keep this a happy post. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Twilight...

I am completely and totally bummed this morning. On a morning when everybody and there dog are planning there evening around the midnight showing of TWILIGHT....I am sad.

In an attempt to simplify and bring peace into our home we removed the TVs from our house (Grandma still has hers and we avoid it like the plague). In doing this we also committed to only watch movies rated G and PG. Folks, that means Twilight is out for me. it's rated PG-13. Trust me, I have tried to justify....I have tried to convince. But Cole and I made this commitment together, to bring a better feel into OUR home and we decided together that we wanted to give up these movies (I had forgotten about twilight at that very moment two weeks ago and am now regretting this decision at this very moment, but still!!!).

So go, enjoy the movie....try not to think about me at home, wallowing in my own self-pity.

On a side note, things in the Henderson household are still out of control, in case you were wondering.

I feel the adversary working in our daily lives. I see him working in our family, those temptations that had been conquered have returned, those weakness that had been strengthend are weakened again. There are days it would be easier to throw in the towel and give in for both Cole and I. But, In the end it gets us no where. Right now, we have to stay strong, as individuals and as a couple, we have to focus our energy on living as we should and think about times as eternal, and not as in now.

On a less significant note, Cameron has his first dentist appointment tomorrow morning. Please pray for us. It will be difficult, he will scream and I feel so very sorry for the dentist and his hygienist and assistant. Thanks goodness the office we are going to has a pediatric specialist....I just hope they don't kick us out. Any words of advice for me??

Other than that life is life.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

My new favorite....toy....

Thanks to my friend Sarah, I now have a new favorite website.

Picnik....it can be found at www.picnik.com (sorry, I haven't figured out how to link to things yet....I need a lesson on that next, Sarah!)

Here is what it does....





There you have it....my new toy. Thanks, Sarah, you're the best. Go. Try it out. Play around. Have fun

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I was on a roll....

there for a week....now lets see if I can get back into this!

It's really been a roller-coaster ride the last few weeks. SO much has happened, and not happened, and all of it has really effected me. There's everything Cole is dealing with......which leads to medical bills. Cole and I are uninsured. Cameron is insured....well great...he's not the one with mental health issues! Anyways....some great blessings have come our way so I must be thankful to the health system but at the same time I'm feeling a little over whelmed and stressed. There are still bills to pay and still meds to buy and there is only so much money.

Next, We took Cameron in for his 2 year well baby visit....it went well. I love his doctor and Cole was pleased as well. He is growing as he should be and is in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. Over he is healthy and we couldn't ask for me! However, as if I need one more thing to worry about, He's not talking. He's two. He should be saying 20-50 words and I can count on both hands ALL of the words Cameron says. He has simply chosen not to talk. He doesn't have a hearing problem, he understand and follows directions well. SO The doctor has suggested that we have him evaluated by a speech therapist. He said we can give it a couple more months and then make a decision or we can get a head start and start now. He doesn't want us to wait more than 2 months though. So after the holidays, IF Cameron is STILL not talking we will be taking him to a speech therapist. (luckily, Cameron's insurance will cover this!)

Me-I have had some of the worst headaches I've ever had in the last couple of weeks. Stress does that to me and boy have I endured my fair share of it. My hope is that I will feel some release soon....and then all will be better....until then I have my bottle of Advil and a nice dark cool room to keep the migraines at bay.

What a depressing post....I do apologize......

Saturday, November 8, 2008

The Holidays are Near....

I love this time of year. The Holidays are near, the days are shorter and the weather has turned. Cole and I were rearranging some furniture the other day and I had to remind him that we would be putting up our Christmas tree in about 25 days....can you believe it?

The gloomy days make wonderful "reading days". As I've said before I love to curl up on the couch or my bed and read a good book during the afternoon while Cameron and Grandma nap. I always have the urge to bake on gloomy days, I think this is because I had a babysitter when I was younger who would bake chocolate chip cookies on rainy days...somehow they go hand in hand for me.

Another thing I love about this time of year....I get to look forward to decorating for Christmas. I love the smells and colors associated with the Christmas Holiday. My very favorite decoration, my Nativity, helps to keep us centered and ground during the rush of Christmas. I most excited about setting this up and being able to look at it every time I walk past. I searched and searched last year for a nice nativity and the only one I was able to find that I liked was at Costco for a lot more than I was willing to spend. I came home telling Grandma all about it, but continued to search through the catalogs for one less expensive. Grandma surprised me a few weeks later when she had my Aunt go out and purchase the one at Costco for me. I don't think she will ever know how much that gift means to me. Not only will it remind me of her when she passes but it reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas.

I am excited about the time we spend with our families. I love gathering around the big table at my Aunts for Christmas dinner, and around Cole's moms table for Thanksgiving. I love that both of our families recognize the importance of families.

One of my favorite memories from childhood is gathering in the kitchen with my mom, my sisters, my aunt and her daughters. We would bake dozens of cookies and treats all day long. I believe this is also something that made a big impression on my sisters and cousins, we continued the tradition last year without our moms but with Cameron. I'm excited to keep this tradition alive.

So here's to traditions, family and most importantly the true meaning of the Holidays we are about to celebrate.

Friday, November 7, 2008

To simplify....

or not to simplify, that is the question.

Sometimes I feel like the world gets ahead of me and I can never catch up. I have a wonderful mother-in-law who preaches this simple word: Simplify. In fact she says it so much that when she says it we roll our eyes, we all know she's right....but how exactly do you do it? This is what I am trying to figure out. You all know my list of duties....the things I am responsible for from cleaning to cooking to bathing and errands. I am a mom, wife, daughter, grand-daughter and care-giver daily! Not to mention the chauffeur for my younger sister and the friend and the and the! You get the point.

Something has got to give. I'm gonna go crazy. I am reminded daily of a message I have received...Keep your home in a manner that Heavenly Father would be pleased with. After much prayer and pondering of this simple sentence I have found that it doesn't have anything to do with cleanliness.

As I strive to simplify, I am also trying to create a place of comfort, a place of peace and most importantly a place that the Holy Spirit dwells.

So in an attempt to simplify Cole and I have had to sit down and decide what is important. Our family. Our family is our number one priority. Our marriage is number one and a half.

I will keep you posted on the steps we have decide to take. We are starting with baby steps and will work our way up...I think I will post step by step once in a while, after we've conquered it of course! AND if any of you (the few that read my blog) have any ideas please share.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Movie, baking, marriage

Have you seen the movie The Bucket List? I thought it was cute. I got so into the night I watched it that Cole came out and I was crying....well sobbing really!

Anyhow I have been trying to make and keep some goals....I seem to have a hard time with keeping them though. So I thought I'd make some long term goals I may be able to keep....I have things I'd love to do, so I think I will start there. I will post my list in a few days. Then y'all can help me stay on track!

Back to reality, right? I spent the day yesterday baking yesterday. I baked 6 loaves of bread and a batch of molasses ginger cookies, yummy! I hate to bake so this was a big accomplishment for me.

Well with the weather change and the issue Cole's had we've been having a rough time here at the Henderson home. Things are looking up but there for a few weeks we weren't so sure things would be okay. I've mentioned a quick over view a couple of weeks ago and may go into depth at another time, but I do have to say I am relieved that life is back on track, for the most part. We are going to start taking time out for our marriage. I had a bishop that encouraged couple to make date night a priority. I have two different friends who have made weekly date nights an official night in their homes. Cole and I have decided that it is time to make these nights a priority in ours too!

We are working on simplifying our lives....stay tuned for that post....coming tomorrow....

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Some fun

A friend of mine was tagged on her blog and I thought it looked like fun so I thought I'd do it and all those that don't know me very well will know more about me.

A- Attached or Single?
Attached ~ Married
B- Best Friend? Cole and Aspen (Aspen was my Best friend BEFORE Cole was, Now they share!)
C- Cake or Pie? Cake, but I have to go with Sarah on this one, Cheesecake.
D- Day of Choice?
Sunday. If things are done right, I have nothing to do on Sunday besides go to church. I always feel refreshed going into a new week.
E- Essential Items?
Sweatshirt, Book, and blanket for afternoon reading on the couch!
F- Favorite Color?
Blue, always has been...I think I have my mom to thank for this.
G- Gummy Bears or Worms?
Gummy Bears, Although I have discovered a wonderful chocolate store right here in Central Point that has Lavender Caramels. YUMMY!!!
H- Hometown? Medford, OR
I- Favorite Indulgence?
The Lavender Caramel I mentioned in G
J- January or July?
January
K- Kids?
One little one, Cameron.
L- Life isn't complete without?
My wonderful Family! All of them!
M- Marriage date? October 16, 2005
N- Number of brothers and sisters?
2 sisters, 2 step-sisters, and 1 half-sister and 1 half-brother
O- Oranges or Apples?
Fuji Apples, ONLY! I don't mind a good orange every once in a whilef but just like you Sarah, I HATE peeling them!
P- Phobias and Fears?
Heights, Something happening to me and someone else raising Cameron
Q - Quiet time, what do you like to do?
Read or Nap
R- Reason to smile?
I have a wonderful family!
S- Season of choice?
Fall/Winter
T- Ticklish? Yes
U- Unknown fact about me?
Hmmm, hate doing laundry, so much that, sometimes I forget that I have a load in the washer and it starts smelling. Yeah, then I have to re-run it with bleach this time.
V- Vegetable? I love salad. I also like Corn on the cob, but cut off the cob.
W- Worst Habit?
Worst habit, why would I want to tell anyone? I think my laundry issue from letter U could go here too!
X-ray or Ultrasound?
Ultrasound...maybe in 2 years.....
Y- Your favorite food? Shrimp!
Z- Zodiac Sign? Cancer

I sure hope everyone has a great day!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Did you Vote?

Well, we voted last night. We put it off as long as we could but we got it done. I was surprised by how emotional I've been since casting my vote. It sounds strange and maybe I'm the only one but I find it kind of spiritual and I an trying to find something good in this crazy election.

Here are some of my thoughts:

I'm not a political person, I hate politics. I understand that it's the way of our nation, most organizations and companies and really everyday life, but I don't think it should be. However, after casting my vote last night and driving down to the drop box I felt important. This is the second election I have participated in. the importance of voting was instilled in me and I am thankful for that. I know that there have been many people that have fought and died for the right to vote and I am thankful for their hard fight and sacrifice, it has given me more strength and courage to cast my vote and vote for what I believe.

At the end of the day, when all the ballots have been counted, I know that no matter what the outcome, we will be okay. I am scared out of my mind of the outcome but I know that Heavenly Father has his hand in this as much as he does in the trials we face daily. He has control and it is his will. It's only four years, right. Anyhow, I am trying to prepare myself for the outcome of this election. I, at the moment, feel comfortable with the whatever may happen. Will that last through the evening and into the night? Probably not.

I sure hope that those of you who are eligible to do so have voted. It is an important right that we as Americans have.

May the man best qualified to lead America be the one elected.

* I made two posts today, please scroll down to see my lion....and read about our halloween!

Happy Halloween...a few days late...

Sorry, I was pre-occupied with the birthday. Here is our little monster dressed as a lion....I had to bribe him with the giant pumpkin candy container to get him to put the darn costume on. And he wouldn't give up the passy. Anyhow....we made the rounds...Jacksonville Wards Trunk-or-Treat, my moms, my aunt and then my dads!


He obviously wanted something over there and I was obviously pre-occupied with taking his picture!

He really didn't like being dressed up....he refused to where the cute hood with the ears and mane.

Dallin as a chicken. Cameron and Dallin had fun doing the cake walk together..we didn't win anything though.


He was pooped out.

There you have it. Our halloween in a nut shell!

Monday, November 3, 2008

A birthday party...

Not just any birthday party....Cameron's 2nd Birthday, birthday party!

I do have a confession though - I was a slacker mom! Yes, I admit it, I have a closet full of scrap-booking supplies and I went out and .....uhhh, purchased invitations!!! I know, I know, BUT with all the drama we've had in our family lately this was the easiest way to do it!

Back to the party! We had Camerons party on Saturday the 1st. I was gently reminded by me dad that I had failed to mention the party Cameron. I know, I told you I'm a slacker! We had lots of family over both from my side and Cole's side. It was definitely a house full and Cameron loved the attention.



Cameron's Birthday Cookie (the poor kid wouldn't touch a piece of cake if his life depended on it so I baked him a giant cookie...he wouldn't eat it either!!)

Just moments before his birthday party...he was in timeout...for TWO whole minutes now....it's such a horrible life!

Grandma and Papa Henderson (Cole's mom and dad) brought Cameron an unwrapped present...those are the best because you get to open them first and play with them before anything else!


Blowing out the candles....we had been practicing but I didn't realize we need to practice while playing with our toys....some how the candles were blown out any ways...it's still a mystery!

Cameron's new fascination....Trains! Guess what he got for his birthday.....Trains!!!


and more trains!

My mom and sisters and I


Cole and his nephews Caleb and Jared

All in all it was a wonderful day. Happy Birthday, Cameron!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

He's TWO!

Today is Cameron's second birthday! I can remember giving birth to him like it was yesterday, I can remember holding him and kissing him and watching Cole hold him for the first time! The last two yes have been more than I could have ever hoped for and I look forward to watching Cameron grow and learn as he gets older. I am so thankful for such a sweet, loving little boy and I thank Heavenly Father daily for this sweet blessing and for entrusting me with his care. So here's to Cameron. Happy Birthday!

Cameron 4 months old


Cameron 6 months old


10 months old

Cameron's first Birthday!

Cameron helping with the dishes Sept. 2008


Showing off his pumpkin shoes Oct. 2008