The Storm!

A couple of posts back I mentioned the "storm". I mentioned how I felt it drawing near and then the winds would calm.....well they haven't calmed this time!

A week and a half ago (right after that post), Cole got layed off! It didn't come as too big of a surprise...work had really slowed down and they had been warned. He was hired through a temp agency at the beginning of the summer....along with 6 other guys....5 of them were layed off Oct. 30th. We later found out....the following week they did another round of lay offs....

Cole handled it well. I, on the other hand, didn't. It's hard not knowing where the money will come from. It's hard not knowing how your husband will hold up mentally. It's hard to watch your husband go from a job he loves (and he did love his job and the people he was working with) to looking for a job...and in this economy....and in this town....their is NOTHING!!!

All I can do is try to stay positive....I continually thank Heavenly Father for the roof over our heads and for our gracious family. I am so grateful for the support we have. I know we will be okay....I know he will find something when it's time!

Halloween and Birthday!

We had a busy weekend! First, we celebrated Halloween by dressing up as Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Thanks to our trip to Fairbanks a couple of months ago, Cameron is now obsessed with Toy Story....He had never seen it till we were at Aunt Shannon....but she had Toy Story and Toy Story 2....Now we do too!

Cameron had fun stopping by my moms house to see his Aunt Amanda and Aunt Emily....they took him door to door for a few minutes while I finished baking and setting up for there party.

After it got dark, Cameron and I drove down to our church building where he went Trunk-of-Treating. We had fun seeing all of our friends and trying to guess what they were.

Sunday, we celebrated Cameron's third birthday (early) after church with my mom, step-dad and sisters. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner. After dinner my Aunt Anita and cousins Chelsey and Shelby came by for presents and cupcakes.

On Monday, November 2nd, Cameron turned THREE!!! He had been waiting for his birthday all year....but he's been especially excited since Dallin and Hyrum turned three in September! Part way through the morning Cole and I broke out Cameron's gift....we found a fun play tent, tunnel and clubhouse at a garage sale a few weeks ago and have had it hidden since! It was a great deal so we were excited to set it up and see how it worked and if he liked it....It was a HIT! Cameron and Dallin lounged around in it most of the afternoon...Camo LOVES it!

While they lounged I baked another batch of cupcakes and cleaned up after the kids...then it was time for another birthday party. We had Ernie, Joseph and the kids over. Brian and Candie also stopped by with Michael and Daniel. My dad and his girlfriend Nancy were able to bring my little sister Hayley and my little brother Brady over. Caleb, Jared and Dallin were also here with Papa. It was crowded but fun! Cameron had tons of fun playing with every singe gift last night! He has to try each one out at least once....thank goodness he didn't get lots of toys....He got books, coloring books, a stinkin cute Woody quilt...a cool Buzz Lightyear backpack and a set of monster trucks.

I can't believe my little guy is THREE!!! It's amazing to me how much he has grown. I love him so very much and am so grateful for the time I get to spend with him! He is a fun, sweet, smart little guy who keeps me on my toes....and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Happy Birthday, Camo!

Knowledge

With winter right around the corner I can't help but wonder how we will hold up this year. Once fall hits it's only a matter of time before Cole seems to fall apart. With the Mental Illnesses Cole suffers from it's a wonder he is where he is today! Its a wonder he has a job he loves and is almost done with his schooling. It's a wonder he's such an amazing husband and father.

Like I said last fall/winter...I don't regret marrying him. I regret taking on his trials and having to endure the rough times. I know it helps me to grow as an individual just as it helps him. I also know it helps us to grow as a couple. I know that Heavenly Father has something bigger and better in store for us...maybe not today or tomorrow or even next year....but someday. I know that we are better for being together and I hold to that knowledge during the hard times.

There are times thought that I feel like the storm is close. I can feel the winds blowing and the clouds growing darker....then suddenly they disappear and the winds calm. Compared to last year this fall has been a piece of cake! Cole has had some hard days but NOTHING! compared to what he had already dealt with by this time last year!

Simple everyday, kind of day!

With this new schedule....you know milking the cow and all....I seem to be getting quite a bit done on a daily basis! I am so very thankful for an even tempered three year-old (you know it just days from his birthday...so although he's not quite three...he is to me!). From day one he has been more than willing to run errands with me. He's always gone visiting teaching with me....he's even gone to the doctors with me. How boring it must be to be mommy's little shadow....but it is easier than trying to find a babysitter and definitely most convenient!

Yesterday we had Dallin over for an hour or so while Damien worked in Caleb and Jared's Classroom. After Dal left Cameron and I had some running around to do! We ran to Joann's to try to find these darn mini babies that I need for an enrichment project. After failing miserably and still not finding them Cam and I ran to a really cool thrift store here in town. We were able to find the cutest little vest for him to wear to church...for $1.99! Then it was time to make our way to Subway to pick up lunch for Daddy. I snuck into the used book store though before making my way to subway and bought two new books for myself and one for Camo. He is such a book lover...it makes me happy! We finally made it to Daddy with lunch. Good thing we were early, Cameron and I were able to sit in the parking lot while waiting for Cole and read his new pirate book. He was so excited!

We eventually made our way home. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. Then it was time to milk the cow again!

Life is good. I cherish these easy days where everything fits together. At the end of the day I smile knowing that my family is safe, happy and loved. A day full of errands and relaxation, a simple everyday kind of day, makes my heart sing!

Milk Cow....

My mother in law milks a cow twice a day. She sells the raw cows milk to several people a week. This has turned into a nice little business for her. I think it takes great devotion to milk a cow twice a day. She wakes up earlier than the rest of us, milks, cleans up and then comes in and gets two eight year-olds ready for school. Its craziness! Then she does it again in the evening!

Who's crazier? Her the one who committed to this or me the one who volunteered to cow sit while she's in Idaho for a week? Yes, that means I am milking twice a day.... Wish me luck!

To Do

I have a to do list a mile long! Here's to go thoughts, lot's of energy and some extra patience!

Emily

I had the privilege of watching a good friend take my younger sisters Senior pictures yesterday! It's amazing to me how fast people grow up! I love that she is driving. I love that she feels independent enough to want to move out as soon as she graduates, but I'm nervous that shes not that independent! It scares me to death that she has a serious boyfriend...but at least shes staying on top of her grades. I know she will succeed at whatever she does....she's smart, beautiful, loyal, funny, talented and honest. She's a great little sister and one of the best aunts! I can't believe she'll graduate in 8 months!