One Year

Our family has had an incredible year! If somebody had given me a timeline or breakdown of how this last year has played out I would have looked at it and thrown it across the room. I didn't imagine the heartache I would feel, how lonely I would be, or how this move would affect Cameron. I never would have believed that I would  be happy, that Cameron would thrive, that Joshua will never know anything different, that Cole would enjoy winter, that we would thrive as a family. I look back over the last year and I have so many memories...stories I hope to be able to tell to my grandchildren one day. I look back over the last year in awe of the lessons we have learned and the trials we have overcome! We have made friends...really great friends...friends we hope to keep forever. We have a cat that the boys adore and an apartment that feels like a home. We are slowly but surely settling into our ward. We have daily and weekly routines. We live in a beautiful town surrounded by majestic mountains. A year ago, the boys and I said goodbye to our friends and family...we took 4 suitcases and 2 boxes...and left everything I've ever known for this wonderful, crazy, challenging adventure! I am so grateful that Cole was there to meet us at the airport when we landed in Anchorage...I was scared out of my mind...but I will ALWAYS remember the grin on his face when we walked out of the terminal and he saw us for the first time in six weeks....he was obviously happy and I was determined from that moment on to make this work and it has. 

I have a new song that I play over and over! It reminds me to keep going. It reminds me to never give up. The last year has been so hard...but I would never trade it for anything. 

Change in the Making

From the album Higher By Mercy River

There’s a better version of me
That I can’t quite see
But things are gonna change
Right now I’m a total mess and
Right now I’m completely incomplete
But things are gonna change
Cause you’re not through with me yet

This is redemption’s story
With every step that I’m taking
Every day, you’re chipping away
What I don’t need
This is me under construction
This is my pride being broken
And every day I’m closer to who I’m meant to be
I’m a change in the making

Wish I could live more patiently
Wish I could give a little more of me
Without stopping to think twice
Wish I had faith like a little child
Wish I could walk a single mile
Without tripping on my own feet
But you’re not through with me yet

Chorus

From the dawn of history
You make new and you redeem
From a broken world to a broken heart
You finish what you start in everything
Like a river rolls into the sea
We’re not who we’re going to be
But things are going to change

Chorus

I’m not who I’m gonna be
Moving closer to your glory

Good, Better, Best?

A few weeks ago I received a call from my relief society president! I'll be honest if I knew it was her I would have screened my call! Anyhow, upon answering, she told me that she had been thinking about me lately and had a huge favor to ask of me. She told me how outgoing I seemed and how she noticed that I am always smiling. She then proceeded to ask me to teach a lesson on fast Sunday in relief society. For those of you that know me well you probably see a few things wrong with this picture! 1) I'm sure you are imagining me with a look of horror on my face...you'd be right! 2) you know that I am not as outgoing as I seem...in fact 3) the smiling and the outgoing thing are all just for show...have you ever heard the term "fake it till you make it"? Yea, that's me! 4) you would also know that I don't speak in public.

I'll give you one, okay, two guesses as to how this conversation ended....

I said, Sure! Why not, I have nothing to lose right? These women don't know me...maybe this would give them a chance to get to know me better!

Another thing to know...I was on my way out the door to go on vacation for a week and half and would not return till the day before I was supposed to teach!!

SO, fast forward a few days...I've spent time reading my scriptures...studying conference talks and trying my hardest to follow the spirit...I really didn't know what to teach on! Finally, I received an email for my sister-in-law with the answer! She forwarded me a link to Elder Dallin H Oaks talk Good, Better, Best. That was it!

I spent the next few days mulling over the talk...gathering some ideas but not really working on my lesson. When I finally got home, I sat down at my computer and I don't think I've ever learned so much about myself, my family and the choices I've made and will continue to make.

I encourage you to read this talk. I've linked to it above...Read it. Think about it and then consider this example I used in class...keeping in mind that I am not the perfect example of this...I am trying to be better and trying to do my best however, I still have a lifetime of learning ahead of me!

When I was 7 ½ months pregnant with our youngest my husband was laid off. We were living in Oregon, where the unemployment rate at the time was 12%. I remember feeling panicked...not quite sure what to do. Cole searched for work for weeks and months! His parents own 25 acres and have lots of animals...one of which was a milk cow, his mom would milk morning and night and then sell the raw milk to customers....and they paid a pretty penny for that unpasteurized fresh milk. She offered the cow and the customers to us. Cole took over the milking immediately...we wouldn't have made it much longer with out some money coming in. We made ends meet, barely...but we were surviving. Cole continued to search for work....we both attended the temple often, hoping we would be given some sort of guidance. The answers we were receiving were hard and tricky, we weren't quite sure how Alaska was to play into our lives but that was the answer. Cole Continued to search for work, while milking the cow, and even searched for work in Alaska. 7 months after his initial layoff...7 months of milking the cow...we finally received our final answer. We got a phone call from a family member telling us about a job with the company he was working for...and they were hiring out of Anchorage. We played with the idea of the job for two days...decided there was nothing to lose...and applied on a Sunday. Cole interviewed Tuesday morning...was offered the job Wednesday afternoon...and was training the following Monday morning. By taking that job....we gave up everything! His family lives in Medford, My family lives in medford....it's where we were both raised....it's our childhood....our young adult lives....it's where we were married...where our kids were born...it's our happiness and dreams it's our trials and sadness. It's where we built our family. But we gave it up....we knew without a shadow of a doubt that that is what we were to do....as SCARY as this adventure was to us....as hard as it would be....we gave up everything because we knew it was what Heavenly Father had planned for us.

Dallin H Oaks said....We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I feel that this is what we did....although Cole was making money by milking the cow...it wasn't what was best for our family...it was good as we were paying our bills and getting by. But this job is what is better! Although we had family near....an that was good, it is best that Cole and I are relying more on each other. That we are having to branch out from our safety net for family and friends and meet new people and make new friends...that is best!

And in case you were wondering...my lesson went well! I feel really good about what I was able to share with the sister...and about the conversations that were had during the lesson. My nerves stayed at bay and I was able to speak clearly and slowly! Would I teach, again?...that's still to be determined!

Palmer Hay Flats

While Emily was here we ventured down to our favorite evening spot...Palmer Hay Flats. The flats are so beautiful. The very first time Cole and I explored the flats I couldn't believe something so wonderful was just minutes from my home. We promised we'd be back and sure enough we've been back time and time again.While with Emily we took dinner and sat while listening to the birds. Cameron wanted to fish so bad....

Joshua enjoyed eating rocks....and then telling us all about it!

We also walked down by Lake Lucille...Emily had to get a picture of Sarah Palins house.

We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area. I look around sometimes and ask myself what I have done to deserve to live here.

Sunriver

We went to Sunriver the first weekend of October with Cole's family. Cole had to stay home to milk the cow. It was kind of scary traveling with two kids and I had to document the fact that they did sleep at the same time every night. We had fun and relaxed. It ended up being a nice trip.

Happy Birthday, Joshua!

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this! As you can imagine I've been busy with a baby! I am now 13 1/2 days postpartum and feel like I have regained some control in this crazy world of ours.Joshua was born August 31st, 2010 at 1:01am. I was in labor for 22 hours from start to finish! I labored at home with Cole and Cameron for 16 hours. By early evening I had had enough and was ready for an epidural! So we dropped Cameron off at the farm with Grandma and Papa and made our way to the hospital. When we checked in I was dilated to a 5 and contracting regularly every 3-4 minutes. I had my epidural by 8pm and enjoyed about two hours of "zero-pain". I was complete and ready to push at 12:30am. My wonderful doctor arrived at 12:55am and broke my water (yes, broke my water!!!) at 12:57am. I pushed a total of 6 times over 2 contractions and delivered Mr. Joshua 3 minutes after my water broke!

He was born healthy as could be! Nursed for the first two days of his life! and is still

nursing like a champ!

Obviously after giving birth I was a little distracted to I missed the big "Oh, MY, GOODNESS.... from my doctor after delivering the placenta. I later found out that Joshua is quite the miracle. He had two knots in his cord. My OB, his Pediatrician and all of our labor and

delivery/postpartum nurses had never seen such a thing. Dr. Carbonell has seen plenty of knots in the cord but never two knots. He went on to tell me that the cases he's heard of have delivered still-born babies!

Cameron has adjusted well, all things considered! He has a "hard day" every once in a while but voices his concerns or problems and we do our best to work through them! It's still crazy to me that I now have two children I'm responsible for. It's still weird to use "the kids" or "the boys" in a sentence!

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......

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....

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

We spent this last Saturday outside! It was a beautiful fall day...Cole's sister Erin and her family came by to spend the day with us! Cole and Bruce were busy replacing the roof on the barn. I know in the picture above it looks as if they are talking rather than working....it looked that way to us most of the day too....but they were able to take most of the roof off and replace half of it in one day! The rest is waiting for another beautiful day.....


While they were working the rest of us were playing! Cameron Looks like a little man in this picture...I love watching him...he seems to have a plan no matter what he's doing.


When I asked him to say cheese he refused!


Here he's saying cheese but refusing to look at the camera.


This is what's left of our huge garden....a lone cherry tomato plant!


We had so much fun picking out our pumpkins from our own garden! Harmony was happy to smile for the camera...


This is the one he wanted..."because it's little mommy, like me!"


He could even carry it all by himself!


Hunter loved picking pumpkins....


Hyrum was so funny! He didn't want to hold his and every time Joseph would set it in Hyrums hand, Hyrum would drop it. This picture was staged...Joseph set it in his hands and backed away as fast as possible so I could click the camera and within a matter of seconds Hyrum had dropped the pumpkin again..it was pretty cute!


Even the leaves on our grape vines are changing colors! I love the beautiful purple color!


Later that afternoon Cameron and I met my sisters and Mike at the Pumpkin patch at Hanley Farm. We picked out another pumpkin...so we could carve another one with daddy!


Then we rode a horse drawn wagon!

I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday! Having fun, outside with our family!

Happy October!

Things I love this Autumn...

I love that my little guy is no longer calling me Amber, I'm finally Mommy again!

I love the Crisp, Cool, Autumn mornings....and the evenings!

I love that we could have soup every night....

I love snuggling under a blanket and reading...for hours!

I love being able to wear my sweatshirt ALL day long!

I love pulling out my winter clothes...and being able to enjoy them.

I love planning for Cameron's Birthday and Halloween.

I love cuddling closer to Cole in bed to keep warm!

I love all of the orange and browns...sooo pretty!

I love the yummy apples from our orchard....

I love all of the yummy desserts we can make with the yummy apples from the orchard!

Just a few of the things I am loving right now!

Fairbanks Alaska in Pictures

Here are the pictures from our trip last month.


Jillian! She is so cute, so big and so sweet! She cut two teeth while Cameron and I were there and was a bit fussy but didn't complain other than that! I loved spending time with her and holding her...too bad the trip didn't cure me of the "baby bug".

Shannon was such a great tour guide. She made sure Cameron and I saw all of the important things....Here's the Alaska Pipeline.


Cameron had fun with Uncle Adam. He liked to talk his ear off...I sure hope he didn't bug Adam too much!


We went on a Riverboat tour of the Chena River. One of the cool things we were able to see was a makeshift native village. Cameron had fun walking through the little cottages....they were just his size!


One evening we packed a picnic and went to a park...this is pioneer park. Cameron loved the train and told us all where to sit! It was good for him to get out and burn some energy....we happened to have a couple of nice days it seemed like half the time we were there it was raining!



Cameron is getting sooooo big! This picture was taken as we were leaving the pipeline. Cameron didn't want to leave...he told me he was going to stay on the bench...I reminded him that it would be cold that night and he would have to sleep there! He said that's okay, he had a blanket....I reminded him that his blanket was at Aunt Shannon's house and that he wouldn't have it that night if he stayed....He finally decided to come home with us!


My Handsome Little Guy! Can you believe He'll be three in just a couple of weeks?



And last but not least...my Favorite picture from our trip....This was taken at the Santa Claus house in North Pole, Alaska! Cameron wasn't too interested in Santa...but we got to sit in his sleigh and see his reindeer.

We had so much fun visiting with Shannon and Adam! I enjoyed getting to know them better and having the opportunity to experience a little bit of Alaska. Someday we will go back...maybe as a family to live for a while. Thanks, Shannon, for thinking of Cameron and I.

Sealed for all of Time and Eternity

On December 23, 2006, just six weeks after Cameron was born, our family was sealed in the Medford, Oregon LDS Temple for time and eternity. I remember the day like it was yesterday. The spirit Cole and I felt was more than we could have imagined and so hard to explain. I felt comfort in knowing that the "one" I had chosen was going to be mine forever. I also felt comfort in knowing that Cameron (and any other children we may have) will be with us in the eternities, as well.

I was terrified that Cameron was going to cry while in the temple. He didn't, it was as if he could feel the importance of day and the specialness of the temple. Every time we see the temple Cameron says baby, we have told him that he was in the temple with us when he was a baby. It's so sweet to see the recognition come over his face when he see the beauty of the temple.

This day will always be a very special day for me. Cole will never give me a greater gift than the gift he gave me this day two years ago. I am so thankful for the knowledge we have and continue to gain through personal prayer and revelation. I am thankful for the temple and the peace that is felt there. I am thankful for the gospel and the many blessings my family has received through study, prayer, and faith. I look forward to the future knowing that no matter what happens I have a loving Heavenly Father who will always be there for me as long as I let him in.

Congratulations, Amanda!

I have two younger sisters. Amanda is 3 years younger than me and Emily is 6 years younger than me. I adore my sisters and am so glad that as we've gotten older we've been able to grow post the sibling rivalry and into friendship. I cherish the relationships I have with my sister. Cameron is lucky to have such amazing aunts.

This last weekend Mike, Amanda's boyfriend of three years proposed to her. She said yes ans is thrilled to be able to settle down with her prince charming. No date is set, yet, but nonetheless she is excited.

Amanda I am thrilled for you. I wish for you a loving and caring marriage with good communication and lots of great memories. I really am happy for you and I hope you know that I love you.

Congratulations, Amanda!

Loving and Caring for Each Other

I read an amazing talk last Sunday by Richard N. Williams. He spoke at the 2006 BYU Womens Conference. Loving and Caring for Each Other brought much needed insight to me about my marriage. One thing Cole mentions on a semi-regular basis is that I get angry too quickly. This is something that I recognize as a problem and am more than willing to change it, but how?

This talk helped me to understand not only why I should abolish the anger but how to abolish the anger.

My favorite quote from this talk was originally said by President Hinckley:

"Selfishness is a destructive, gnawing, corrosive element in the lives of most of us. It lies at the root of much of the tension between parents and children.

"I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion. Selfishness so often is the basis of money problems. . . . Selfishness is at the root of adultery, the breaking of solemn and sacred covenants. . . . Selfishness is the antithesis of love."

I have this tendency to become very selfish when my needs aren't met. The most recent occurrence of my selfish behavior happened one Sunday morning as I was showering before waking Cameron up for church. Cole was having a very hard time and had been the whole weekend. I remember thinking why me? He hasn't helped me with such and such and he didn't do this or he did that. It was that same that the high council speaker spoke on such matters. He reminded me that I should let it go, it doesn't matter what he did or didn't do, if I hold that grudge I am worse than he is for not taking out the trash or for sleeping most of the day.

I am so thankful for personal revelation, I am thankful for those that prayerfully study and prepare talks so that we can learn and better ourselves. I am thankful for such a wonderful husband, even more thankful for the trials we endure together.

Our week in photos!

Cameron and I made some cookies on Saturday. By Sunday afternoon the whole 2 1/2 dozen were gone, and I am proud to say I am not to blame for this! Everyone loved our press-down sugar cookies except for me. For some reason they didn't taste as good as I remember them tasting, thank goodness! Cameron enjoyed pressing the sugar coated glass down on top of the spoonfuls of dough, in this picture he is redistributing the sprinkles.

On Friday we attempted a family photo shoot. This is my favorite pictures, however I can't send it in our Christmas cards because....all of our eyes are closed!!!!! I think this year will be another picture of JUST Cameron.

I set up my beautiful nativity Saturday night. I love love love my nativity and would keep it up all year if Cole would let me! Maybe he will, he seems to like it as much as I do this year. I was concerned about Cameron picking up the pieces and "dropping" them, so far he hasn't bothered them. I have the nativity sitting in our entry way. We did decorate a little more, but we haven't put up our tree yet.

We hope our friends and family are enjoying the holiday season that is upon us. We love you!

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......

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.

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....

Happy Anniversay, Cole!!

Today is our third anniversary! Here's our story!

Cole and I met in high school he was a senior and I was a junior. We had seen each other in the halls and such but never had we interacted. We were both in drama and were doing a production of Grease together. I was Jan and he was Sonny. Half-way through our three months worth of rehearsals I decided I had a crush on him. I did what every high schooler did and told my best friend to find out how he felt. A few minutes later on a break we were both at the water fountain and he used a hilarious pick-up line on me. Now, I don't remember what it was...but trust me it was pretty funny! In the end he got my phone number....not that he remembered it because he never called.....

It took him another month to call me....at this point he had two other "girlfriends". He would die if he knew i was telling all of his dirty secrets. Anyways it wasn't until dress rehearsal that we talked again and I of course had to initiate it. I asked him if he wanted to go to lunch before our Saturday show. He said he wasn't sure but that he'd call me. I found out later that Cole didn't have my number any more but that he called my BFF and got it from her....the morning we were supposed to go to lunch....I know I shoulda ditched him there. But We did go to lunch and we had a great time even though his friends showed up to spy on us. We walked around at a park for a while and then we went back to his house....he had to trade his parents cars. Anyways....later that day he told me how much he liked me...looking back it makes me laugh because he liked every girl. But we were officially boyfriend girlfriend by the end of the night and we were holding hands.

That was in April 2003. He graduated in June 2003 and moved to Alaska...I was heart broken. I didn't know how I'd go on and blah blah blah. We broke up....in August 2003. But as you probably guessed he came home in October and whisked me off my feet. But we broke up again! LOL I know I know! In January I was so busy with school and the drama club I was a part of that I didn't think I wanted a boyfriend....then I had to play hard to get for a few months. I graduated in June 2004 and we started dating AGAIN in August 2004.

On October 17, 2004 Cole took me to the spot he told me he loved me for the first time (only to weeks after we first started dating!!! in April 2003.), the Mae Richardson Elementary School playground (I lived only a few steps from there). He told me how much he loved me and how much he loved my family. He had hopes of his family loving me and of me loving his family! He wanted to share forever together and asked me to marry him. Of Course I said YES! Yes I was just barely 18, yes I had just barely graduated and yes our parents were furious. BUT I don't regret that decision one bit, never have!

We were married on October 16, 2005 at Lithia Park in Ashland Oregon. Our ceremony was very small, short and sweet. Our family's were there and we each had our best friends by our sides.

Now, Three years later we have beautiful little boy and I love Cole more than I did the day we were married! We now each other better, we understand each other better. We share hopes and dreams. But the best part of it all, I know who I will spend eternity with. I love you, Cole, and I look forward to our forever!

Some thoughts and pictures...

It's been a busy week and we are only half way through it.

Our week started with church on Sunday. We visited our old ward and saw lots of old friends. We also had lots of relatives visiting that day because Cole's dad was being called as the new Bishop in that ward. It was a wonderful day, but emotional. We love Bishop Thompson and he has made a huge impact on our family, like my father-in-law said an impact of eternal measure. I know this personally and I am sad to see him released, however, I am excited to see what Heavenly Father has planned for him now. He is a wonderful man full of love for each and every person he meets. I am excited for my father-in-law. He too is a wonderful man full of love and knowledge. I am excited to see what he does for the lord and to watch him grow with more love for the members of his ward. I love sitting down and chatting with Bruce. He is so close to our Heavenly Father and has such a deep understanding of the gospel, I am excited for the Jacksonville Ward and the opportunity they will have to get to know Bishop Henderson.

Then came Monday. Cole started his third term on Monday. He was excited to start back to school and ready to weld. I am so glad that he is enjoying his classes and that he loves what he does so much! I also had to take grandma to the doctor on Monday. She has a chronic dislocation in her left shoulder. The only way to repair this is by surgery and since the injury is old (more than 2 weeks and probably about 2 years old)and she is in poor health the surgeons won't perform the much needed surgery. At this point in time it is something that is very painful and that she will have to live with for the rest of her life.

Monday evening after dinner Cole had some friends from Alaska over. They are moving to Seattle and made a (long) detour to little Central Point, OR for a quick over night stay for some fun and games. We stayed up much too late playing Risk. It is nice to have an extra bedroom to accommodate like that. These friends had been sleeping in their car for several days and they were very grateful for a floor and bed to sleep on.

Tuesday morning after Cole's visitors left he went to his second day of school. Very short and sweet and he is excited about his mechanical drafting class. He also went to the Doctor. His ingrown toenail is still bothering him and I'm afraid we will have to see a podiatrist to have the nail removed and the nail bed killed. For now we are trying another dose of antibiotics.

Today Cole is back at school for his first FULL day. Monday was short and sweet just going over the syllabus in both classes. He is gone from 7 to 5:30 Monday and Wednesdays.

Cole got a new desk last week for FREE! There is a little cabinet to one side and Cameron discovered it. He loves to hide in it and laughs and laughs when you fins him!

We hope everyone has a great week and we love you all!

I recieved this in an email today

I subscribe to LDS Gems. They are daily devotionals or spiritual thoughts that are sent right to my email inbox daily. I love it! Most of the time they inspire a thought or help to turn my mood around.

Today's touched me and helped me to remember why we take time out every evening for family prayer. Cameron is included in this too! Cole, Cameron and I all sit or kneel around our bed and we pray together. Cameron even folds his arms!!! It's pretty cute.

Here was today's Family Gem


Family Prayer Is Powerful and Sustaining
Posted: 08 Sep 2008 02:00 AM CDT
"The Savior told us, 'Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed' (3 Nephi 18:21). In our day, the Church urges us to have family prayer every night and every morning. . . ."Family prayer is a powerful and sustaining influence. During the dark days of World War II, a 500-pound bomb fell outside the little home of Brother Patey, a young father in Liverpool, England, but the bomb did not go off. His wife had died, so he was rearing his five children alone. He gathered them together at this very anxious time for family prayer. They 'all prayed . . . earnestly and when they had finished praying, the children said: "Daddy, we will be all right. We will be all right in our home tonight."" 'And so they went to bed, imagine, with that terrific bomb lying just outside the door half submerged in the ground. If it had gone off it would have destroyed probably forty or fifty houses and killed two or three hundred people. . . . " 'The next morning the . . . whole neighborhood was removed for forty-eight hours and the bomb was finally taken away. . . . " 'On the way back Brother Patey asked the foreman of the A. R. P. Squad: "Well, what did you find?"" ' "Mr. Patey, we got at the bomb outside of your door and found it ready to explode at any moment. There was nothing wrong with it. We are puzzled why it did not go off" ' (Andre K. Anastasiou, in Conference Report, Oct. 1946, 26). Miraculous things happen when families pray together."

James E. Faust, "The Lifeline of Prayer," Ensign, May 2002, 60-61

Sometimes the fight to get Cameron to cooperate doesn't seem worth it. But then I am reminded sometimes more harshly than others that the saying "A family that prays together, stays together" is true.

I am so thankful for the gift of prayer. It is comforting to be able to communicate with our Heavenly Father. To gain insight and to be given direction, those are some or the more powerful things I have received through prayer.