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

Playgroup

Today, Cameron and Joshua and I were able to go to playgroup. If you know me you know how hard this was for me. I hate making new friends, I hate meeting new people. After we got home I was talking with my sister-in-law telling how well it went and how much fun Cameron had and how it was nice to be out with other women instead of stuck in the house...I mentioned how I laid in bed this morning trying to talk myself out of going....seriously! I really did lay there for well over 30 minutes trying to talk myself out of going to playgroup.

I don't know what it is about meeting new people. All of the ladies at play group are very nice, they all have young kids and they all go to church with me. It wasn't so much as meeting THEM...it is meeting new people in general....I think it brings out all of my insecurities. I'm really quiet until I get to know you. I am self conscious about my weight. Cole and I are still trying to get established here...it sounds crazy to ME when I'm asked why we moved and what kind of a job my husband has....we moved 3,000 miles so he could install security systems? Seriously!

Anyhow, playgroup went great....Cameron loved playing with the other boy his age there. It makes me so sad every day when he plays alone...in Oregon he had cousins to play with everyday! So it was good to see him take to this other boy and run through the backyard. I had fun chatting with the other moms....I didn't say much but that will come with time! Cameron is already looking forward to going back next week. J also enjoyed himself....he discovered grass and played with a baby doll.

Making friends takes time...I know, but I only have a couple more months before the state of Alaska is dark....I need friends by then!

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.

Pictures

Cameron getting ready to enjoy a ride on the four-wheeler with Grandma Lorie

I love, love, love this picture of my little guy! No, he's not really this sweet in real life, that's why I like it so much!

Cameron was trying to decide which eggs he was going to take home with us!

Cameron with his tractor Easter basket!

Easter, weather, words and more!

With May only days away I thought I should give our family and friends a little update. We are enjoying the longer, warmer days. I think Cameron enjoys the sun as much as I do, we have spent many afternoons on the porch playing with chalk and water. I feel blessed to be able to spend so much time with the little guy even though I am working close to 40 hours a week. It pays to get up early and be done early!

Our Easter was quiet. We enjoyed a mini-egg hunt on Saturday with Cameron's cousins....he learned why egg hunts are so fun, especially plastic egg hunts....he enjoyed the treats! Sunday, we went to my mom's for breakfast and another egg hunt....this time Cameron was the only hunter....with the help of Papa Robin. At church a little while later we were able to enjoy a beautiful Easter Cantata. The choir did an incredible job with each and every song, the spirit was there and the true meaning of Easter was evident.

We have been passing colds back and forth. We have had some crazy weather here in southern Oregon. We hit 93 degrees last week, today it's 55, go figure! Cameron sure loves the farm. It's been so nice to have space for him to run and burn of the little boy energy. He goes to bed exhausted from a day well played!

He is talking more...I know I say that every time but it's true! If I had to I couldn't list all of his new words....here are some....off, out, backup, over there, right there, go away, more, please one more, poopy.....you get the point! It's been fun to watch him come into his own and learn these words.....until of course he says to me..."no, go away mama, okay, please." Yes he really said that as we were driving to the store the other day....I was minding my business by the way.

I am working on some posts, they won't be exciting but they will be posts to help keep you updated on our bunch!

Spring has brought me such a nice suprise.....

Not only are the blossoms popping, Cameron is officially potty trained! It only took a couple of days, two accidents and two weeks later, I am making it official. We will go to church on Sunday in undies. Thank the heavens!!! NO MORE DIAPERS.

Cole started a new term at school. He is enjoying it and announced the evening that he'd like to get his bachelors in welding, OH, MY! I was then informed that I could go back to school first if I wanted to, he didn't mind! Goodness, we are going to be going to school for years!

Spring is here, beautiful days, beautiful flowers, and some rain!

Some exciting things...and not so exciting things

Well, We've had a big week! I'm not sure where to even start.

I have been working A LOT!!!! I am worn out and tired and so excited to finally have my weekends and evenings back!

Cameron has had a big week too, are you ready? He learned three signs to help him communicate better, learned three new words, spent three hours in the ER, had his first set of x-rays, had his first sprained ankle and is almost potty trained!!!! Busy, busy week for a busy, busy boy.

First let me explain the sprained ankle, x-ray's and ER. We learned the trampoline lesson early!!!!! He DID NOT fall off! He did however get hurt, not sure how...he was on with Caleb, Jared and Dallin and all of a sudden started screaming. His foot turned purple and was swelling fast. I took him to the ER to make sure it wasn't broken, thank goodness it wasn't. Of course they x-rayed his whole leg, hip down. The doctor didn't see anything, called it a sprain and told me not to let him walk on it for a couple of days. Not that he would have anyways, he has refused to walk on it. Today, two days later, he has started to walk again, he has the cutest little limp still though and really favors it when just standing still.

Three signs and three words: signs- potty, all done and help; words- scoop, help, the noise of a chicken (yes, we consider it a words, we take what we can get!!!)

POTTY TRAINING!!!!! Finally! Cole was the one who really started this again! Before we moved I had Cameron going number 2 on the potty chair, after we moved I let it go! So, we have started again and are having success! I may even curse myself and take Mr. Monkey to church in big boy undies tomorrow! He has been wearing big boy undies for 3 days now and has had 2 accidents, odds are in my favor! He even wore big boy undies during nap today and woke up dry! I know I am bragging and getting my hopes up, but I'm a happy mommy!

Cole is on spring break!

There you have it!

A new month already???

Can you believe it's March? Spring is right around the corner. I love spring! Lots of updates and good news so here we go!


Cameron: Is as cute as can be still!I know I'm partial and I hate bragging but there are moment throughout the day that I think to myself you are way too stinkin' cute, little man! And that's just what he is, a little man. We stayed a the Schultz family's home this past week with their four kids while mom and dad went on a mini vacation. We as a family got our exercise everyday with a two story house and the flight of stairs you have to take every time you go upstairs and downstairs, Cameron was a pro by the end. He would start at the bottom and count two, four, two, four, two, four....it was pretty darn cute and then he would start over once he was to the top and count four, two, four, two, two, four (yes, sometimes he'd get mixed up and repeat himself). He's had a nasty little cough for a week and a half. And yes, we are trying to teach him some new numbers I think one and three will be next.


Cole is good. He had an exciting week last week. His welding instructor asked if he'd like to be his assistant for the next three or so terms! Yay!!! Cole is psyched and can't wait for next term to start, only three weeks.


I am exhausted! With four extra kids for five days, and all of the running around that entails it was a long weekend. However they are incredible kids with incredible parents. we were honored to be able to stay with this family and get to know them better. I am now employed. I had my second day of work this morning. I work mornings 5 AM (yikes!!!) to noon or so. It works perfectly with Cole's school schedule, no babysitter required! I am fighting allergies and a sinus infection, with that comes a nasty headache and icky ears. I am holding up though.

Things are good with this section of the Henderson family. We are looking forward to being home, stake conference (Elder L. Tom Perry is coming to speak at our stake conference this Saturday and Sunday, Yay!), spring and most of all---the money that comes from both Cole and I being employed, Yipee!

I will try to be better about posting, life got away from me for a while and I'm excited for things to slow down.

Pow Pow....

Yes, the pow pow above is supposed to be the sound of a gun. I was completely shocked yesterday when Cameron pointed at me and made that sound. YES, Cameron pointed at me and said (and I quote)" NO, Pow Pow". I had obviously ticked him off by asking him to bring the candy bar to me to open and break a piece off for him. I guess as a mother I over stepped my boundaries forcing the poor kid to react this way....OR he's been watching to many western gun fights with his great grandma....I believe the last statement to be true.

We are moving, no reason to dance around the change now that it's out there and arrangements have been made. Grandma is moving to a wonderful foster home. The house is gorgeous and the lady who owns and runs the home is just as nice. She seems to have a heart of gold and I truly believe grandma will be in great hands. She will move into the home in a matter for weeks if not days. Cole, Cameron and I will move back to the farm for a couple of months. I searching fervently for a job (that would possibly work around Cole's school schedule). I am looking forward to some me time and not having to care for someone other than Cameron twenty-four hours a day seven days a week. Don't get me wrong I love my grandmother and am so grateful for the time Cole, Cameron and I have had with her, I do believe however that it is time for us to part our separate ways so that she can have the professional medical care she needs and so that I can focus on our family and my marriage!

School is going well for Cole. The welding program has moved to the Table Rock campus in White City. Only having to travel a couple of miles rather than 60 miles round trip a day has been a huge blessing. Although gas prices have gone down for the time being, we are saving money. It caused Cole great anxiety to travel to Grants Pass and be 45 minutes away, if there was an emergency he was terrified he wouldn't be here in time.

I am holding up well. I have lists coming out my ears and am struggling to find the motivation to pack and continue going through things, however it's coming together and all will be well.

Cameron is a cute and crazy as ever! He has started talking more (YAY!!!). I'm amazed, daily, by how smart my little two year-old is. It's incredible to me how much they learn and imitate. He is a wonderful beautiful child and I thank Heavenly Father daily for blessing up with him.

There you have it, a quick update to let you know we are here, we are alive and we are kicking!

Giraffe

Cameron loves animals! A few months ago Cole taught him some new animal noises and a giraffe was on of them. Cole imagines the noise of a giraffe as a slurping/licking of leaves off of the trees.

Cameron does this noise on command and get lots of laughs every time! I'm serious, ask next time.....it's pretty cute!

Anyhow, we were sitting here at the computer trying to entertain the poor fussy two year old. Cole and Cameron like to look at cool picture on google images. This was one they found....the moment Cameron saw it he busted up laughing and laughed for close to two minutes. He thought it was down right hilarious.

I hope it's brought a smile to your face! Have a wonderful Friday everyone!

Joy

Hi Folks! It been a week or so and life hasn't stopped! A few weeks ago at our family scripture study with Cole's family we read a talk given by one of the General Authorities of the Church. The talk (the name has escaped me now) was about finding joy in your life even through your trials. Let's face it, we all have them and they all bring us down at the time but make us stronger and such at the end. I know that, I get that! But I wanted to share my joy with you. Look at that bright face (he was dancing). He brings so much joy and light to my world on a daily basis. I am so very thankful for Cameron.

On other fronts, school has started again and we are head deep already. Cole has three classes and seems to enjoy them all. His favorite this term....his Human Relations class.

I am still simplifying and organizing and downsizing. I'm not sleeping well at night (it's 6:20am as I'm writing this....that's not normal for me).

Cameron is still obsessed with trains. He said "oh cool" yesterday. He has the most beautiful laugh that makes me smile everytime he laughs.

And that's all for now!

Naps

This picture was taken on a late afternoon trip to Albertson's. That afternoon, Cameron, decided he didn't need a nap....he cried and played....cried and played.....and played even more in his crib for close to an hour before we decided he could come out. I remember trying to muster up my strict mom voice to tell him that if he threw even one fit he'd be back in bed. Well we escaped with out fits but here's a picture to prove that my munchkin wears himself out and still needs his afternoon naps.

Cameron December 2008

more baking and decorations.....

I spent two half days baking this week. I made English toffee (on the cookie sheets), Pecan Balls (in the orange container) and macaroons (in the blue container) the first day........And 6 dozen press down sugar cookies on the second day.
Central Point had a snow day on Thursday so my little sister Emily came over and helped bake the cookies. As you can see Cameron still loves to help in the kitchen, I hope and pray he never grows out of that! Cole likes to help too, this time he helped eat the dough!

Here are the pictures of our living room all decked out, I did give in and put up my miniature tree. Cole likes it because it doesn't take up too much space and I like it because it was far away from the rat/mouse closet. Please ignore the weights that are sitting on shelf waiting to be picked up on January 1st when I start my biggest loser cardio dvd again.

Cameron loves the Christmas decorations.

There you have it, Christmas in the Henderson household.

Just Us

I was going to post pictures of our house all dressed up for Christmas. BUT the camera is in the car and we are experiencing freezing temperatures here in good ole' Southern Oregon!
So I guess a family update will have to suffice.

Cole is doing really well. I feel like our prayers have been answered and we are out of our limbo/downhill state. I see an end coming, not for good but at least some relief. For those of you who don't know Cole suffers from Bipolar, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Please see tomorrows post for more information on these mental illnesses. In the meantime, he is doing great (I'm almost scared to say it....we've had a really bad fall/winter and I don't want to jinx it). In fact he's made such a turn around on the new doses of medication that the psychiatrist was thrilled and felt comfortable taking time off for the holidays.He finishes his third term of school last week. This last term was a huge challenge and I am so proud of him for sticking it out and making it through. He is looking forward to a couple of weeks off with Cameron and I.

Cameron has been practicing his new words....ALL THE TIME! It's almost as if he could sense that we were thinking about taking him in....he says baby, apple, ouch, and dog all the time...over and over and over again! He's pretty darn cute and is definantly the joy in my days. He's still obsessed with trains and now he's also obsessed with Santa and anything Christmas for that matter calling it all oho, oho (grandma tried to teach him ho ho ho....he does oho oho oho).

I am chugging along. Some days are easier than others. I am looking forward to January when the holidays are behind us and I can refocus my energy on weight-loss and health! I have taken up cross-stitching, I love it and have some big plans....hopefully I will finish my first big project in the next couple of months!

There you have it another short update on the Henderson's. I had big dreams of sending out Christmas cards but the half finished cards are sitting on my dresser and I have no desire to finish them! Sorry!

an old picture

This picture is my favorite picture of Cameron. It was taken a week after he was born. I found it among some other picture that I was sure were lost, I wanted to share.

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!

The Medford Oregon LDS Temple

Some of you have probably noticed the new picture I have on my side bar.

The picture (for those of you who don't know) is of the Medford, OR Temple. I am blessed to live just seconds from the Temple. Sometimes when we go for an evening drive we drive right by it. Cameron loves to drive by it and is always in awe. Just yesterday, we drove by and parked for a few minutes to admire the beauty. When we came home he saw a picture of the Temple that I took last winter when it snowed. He carried that picture around for several minutes before he noticed another picture of the Temple. It amazes me that at his age he recognizes how special the Temple is. Sometimes I wonder if he remembers being in the Temple with Cole and I when he was only 6 weeks old (that post is coming in just a couple of weeks....).

I just had to share. It's moments like these that I have to take a step back and recollect myself, isn't it funny how our kids do that to us. I am grateful to have such an innocent spirit in our home, grateful for the teaching moments and humbled by the affection.

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.

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!

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!