Goodbye, 2009!

With 2009 coming to an end we have a lot to be thankful for.

In NO particular order here are the happenings of '09:

---I resigned as Grandmas Caregiver and we moved back in with the Henderson's. This was a huge blessing for everyone involved....Grandma is very happy with where she is living. I don't have the stress of caring for an adult while caring for my hubby and 2/3 year-old. Cole doesn't have to deal with crazy me....I go crazy under that kind of stress. Bruce and Lorie have accepted the extra help with taking care of the Buckman Boys. I believe we are where we are supposed to be for the time being. I feel truly blessed for a loving family who has the ability and is willing to help.

---Cameron finally learned to talk. He was potty trained and pacifier broke. He has turned into a little boy not...he's no longer a toddler.

---Cole finished his 5th term of school. We are excited for 2010....he just might finish....

---I was able to work out side of the home for a while this year....I enjoyed the social interaction but was thankful when Cole found that great job and was able to provide for us again....I missed all of Camerons milestones...ie. Potty Training, taking the Pacifier away...and even talking. I love being a mommy and have gotten the working bug out of my system for now.

---Cam and I were able to go to Alaska this last summer. We has so much fun, it was definitely the highlight of our summer, if not year....Cameron still talks about it.

---We had visitors right after thanksgiving...Shannon and her fam and Mandi were able to come visit for a week or so. I love visiting with Cole's sisters and I know he does too!

---Cole's sister Erin announced that she is pregnant with her fourth. She is having a little girl and we are so excited....she's due in March....

---Right after her visit, Cole's sister Mandi announced that she is expecting....she is due in July and we are thrilled for the Boren Family.....

---On December 22, 2009 exactly 3 years after Cole, Cameron and I were sealed in the Medford, OR Temple, Cole and I found out that we too are expecting.....Our newest member of the family will debut at the end of August. Cameron is excited to be a big brother and is sure that we are having a baby brother for him (I'm sure he will be just as happy with a little sister).

---Today, Cameron will graduate from nursery into sunbeams at church...

THERE, that was our year. Stay tuned for 2010, I'm sure it will be a big one! Cole has some crazy plans up his sleeve....he's hoping for a great job, another term or two of school....of course there's the new little one and there's talk of relocating....No promises......

FHE Challenge

A couple of Monday's ago, for Family Home Evening, the adults challenged the Kiddos to serve others. Damien found a really cool manger and told the kids that every time they serve some one or do something nice, they will be able to put a hand full of hay in the manger. The goal is to have the manger full by Christmas Eve so that Baby Jesus will have a soft, warm and comfy place to lay.

It has been so much fun listening to the kids (Cameron and his three cousins: Caleb, Jared and Dallin) help each other. Cameron came into our room the other day and informed me that he needed a clean pair of undies. I asked if he had had an accident and he said "no, I need them for Dallin, I sharin' with him, he needs some undies, he have no clean ones." Yes, he put a hand full of hay in the manger.

I love this challenge. It has helped me to think about my actions, to remember the true meaning of Christmas and to help teach my child the true meaning of Christmas.

MIA

Sorry it's been so long! Like always life has gotten the best of me and I am trying to get caught up now! Here are some highlights from our Fall.

---Definitely not a highlight but Cole lost his job...it was a wonderful way to start our holiday season...NOT! It has not been fun worrying about money and bills....then there is always the worry about the lack of money and Christmas gifts....I'm sure you get the picture. The highlight of this little obstacle is definitely the fact that we have a very gracious family....more than ever we are grateful for where we live.

---As I said before, I milk a cow. This started as a one week thing but has turned into a full-time (part-time) job. I join my Mother-In-Law every morning before dawn in the milking parlor (don't we sound professional?) to milk a cow. Between set-up, milking, and clean-up I spend an hour twice a day milking...the unbelievable thing is the milk sells for 7 dollars a gallon. Do the math!!! I get 4 gallons a day from one cow. I sell all 4 gallons each day except for Sunday. It has turned into quite the little job.

---We had a baby calf. Abby cow (Lories cow) had her baby a couple of week a go. It turned into quite the ordeal. She wasn't expected to calf for another couple of weeks so we weren't quite ready and set up to milk two cows. When we found mom and baby bright and early (5:30 am) on a Saturday we were a little surprised and nervous. After much drama....mastitis, shots, kicking, and engorgement....we have a second cow that is milking....this would be Lorie's Cow.

---We had a very quiet and peaceful Thanksgiving. Lorie volunteered to have a giant Thanksgiving and decided to invite the whole ward. We had just over 100 people show up. It was fun and yes....quiet and peaceful.

---My Mother-In-Law and I are the enrichment leaders in our ward at church. We were called three weeks before our "Super Saturday". We quickly changed the name to "Simple Saturday" and started planning. It went off without a hitch and was a huge success. We are already planning our Relief Society Birthday Celebration for March.....Here's a hint: Our ward recently welcomed back the Spanish Branch.....

---Cole's sisters Mandi and Shannon were here for a couple of days. It was so fun visiting with them! I wish they lived closer! I really enjoyed seeing Baby Jillian....I love watching her explore! Thanks, Adam for coming along! ;)


There it is in a nutshell! It has been a crazy, busy few weeks! I am so very thankful for all of our many blessings. I am trying very hard to stay focused and balanced. Stay tuned....