Peace and Comfort

It took us several days to settle back into a routine after returning home from Oregon. We had to readjust to the constant daylight, again. It always throws off sleep schedules. I think I was more affected than the kids were. Thank goodness for blackout curtains. 

Now that we are finally settled in, I have time to think again. We've had an interesting few days. Saturday morning Joshua woke with a nasty diaper....I figured it was something he had eaten. Those nasty diapers continued into Sunday and still I wasn't convinced that he was sick. he didn't have a fever and was acting normal so again I figured it was something that just hadn't sat right with him. We went to church and although he doesn't stay in nursery I still feel bad about having taken him when he was sick. Anyhow, his diapers continued and actually increased. He became lethargic as Monday started. For the last four days Josh and I have basically sat together and we haven't done anything! I've kept up on the dirty blankets, sheets and jammies from Josh and the dishes but I haven't had time for anything else as the poor little guy only wants mommy. Monday is when the phone calls started. 

Monday afternoon we got a call from some good friends in Oregon letting us know that they are expecting a precious little boy. We are so excited for them and we know that their sweet son that they already have will be a wonderful big brother. A couple hours later they called again to let us know that he had been offered a job with the local school district. We were even more excited about this piece of news. The next morning I got a call from a friend here in Alaska needing a friend...her husband had been let go from his place of employment. My heart broke for the family of five, having been in that similar situation just over a year ago I know how it feels to have to make new plans and readjust the plans you had. A few hours later, my best friend in Oregon called to let me know that she hadn't gotten a job she applied for. Seriously. 

I am so glad that we are blessed with amazing friends. I feel grateful that they feel comfortable calling to share their news with us, good or bad. By the end of the day Tuesday, I became aware or several other friends and family members that were either having a very hard time or celebrating over great news. I was swimming in my own thoughts trying to figure out how to help each individually. I offered up a prayer knowing that our Father in Heaven would be the only one that could provide the comfort that each of my friends need. I have seen miracles worked in my own life, sicknesses healed, comfort provided, peace or mind and of heart. I have felt the peace that can come from the comfort that is provided when turning to our Father in Heaven. Countless times and in so many different situations I have felt that peace and comfort. I pray that each of our friends felt that peace and will continue to feel the spirit in their lives. I know that prayer are answered, it may not be in our time but they will be answered. 

Tonight I am praying for my sweet baby boy. He is on the verge of dehydration and I am so worried about him. I hope this bug passes quickly so that I can have my crazy toddler back!

Oregon!

The kids and I had the opportunity to take an 18 day trip to Oregon the day after Cameron got out of school. Thanks to a wonderful friend and colleague of my sisters the flights were free making the trip possible. This friend contacted me at the end of February to see if it was something I would want to do. My sister had been struggling with postpartum baby blues and her friend thought that a visit from me would help clear them up! so unbeknownst yo my sister I planned the trip and did not tell her. You see, I talk to Amanda on a daily basis at least once if not five times a day...seriously, our husbands have joked about charging us for the time we spend on the phone. Keeping a secret from her is sooo hard. Last year she tried to surprise me for my birthday...but there were to many clues and weird signs allowing me to figure it out. I knew I needed to be sneaky. I kept quiet to her for 6 weeks....the week leading up to the trip was the hardest...I was here making arrangements, returning library books, prepping meals for Cole, deep cleaning the house, packing and finishing Cameron's last week of school. Every day she asks what are you doing today and I would have to keep most of what I was doing to myself so she wouldn't catch on. Thank goodness we flew at night....and arrived before we normally talk each morning. Not being able to get a hold of me all day would have been a dead giveaway. It was worth the trouble though....she was the only family member in Oregon that didn't know we were coming. We surprised her at her work. I meet her friend, Brandi there. Brandi arranged for Amanda to come in. I was the first person she saw when she walked into the building. It was so fun to see the look on her face when it all registered. it took her a second though!

Our trip was awesome! We had great weather and the kids played outside all day everyday! With their cousins around they had so many kids to play with. We were able to spend tons of time with Grandmas and Papas, and Aunts and Uncles too! I was able to visit with my friend Ari who just happened to be in town and the same time I was. I love visiting with friends and was glad to be able to spend time with her and meet her new little guy. I had the opportunity to visit with some other friends as well.

It was an awesome trip, but we are glad to be home and back to normal routines and sleep schedules!

Not much planned for the summer....a quick trip to Fairbanks here in a couple of weeks and them maybe a trip down to Homer. Looking forward to the start of school.